This book is the first part of a series of three textbooks to help Western students of Chinese prepare for the official Chinese Language Proficiency Test (HSK) in the People’s Republic of China. It covers all the language material (Chinese characters, vocabulary, grammar points) required for the first two HSK exam levels 1 and 2 at the elementary stage of Chinese language studies, following the most recent official curricula and guidelines of the competent examination body (Hanban). These three essential material” main areas of Chinese language studies are covered in depth and will help the student pass the respective language proficiency tests successfully.

• HSK

• Chinese Language Proficiency Test

• HSK exam levels 1 and 2

• elementary

• Chinese characters

• Chinese vocabulary

• Chinese grammar points

Dr. Schmidt is a linguist, sinologist and theologian with extensive teaching and research experience in his areas of expertise with several subject-related publications to his credit. In June 2015, he retired from a successful career of teaching as a university professor at universities worldwide and as a church leader worldwide and continues to publish books and to hold occasional lectures on special request.