The classic schoolbook is a central element for teaching geography. Still there are very few insights about the actual utilization of this source of information and materials in class. To examine the application of the materials provided by the book and the underlying reasons, this study uses quantitative and qualitative methods. For this purpose teachers are sounded on their individual schoolbook utilization by a questionnaire and interviews based on the results. The outcome shows that teachers clearly prefer using illustrations to working with texts. In their opinion acquiring information independently is an important skill and appears to be more lasting. By contrast texts present all the information summarized and reduce the pupils own performance in the learning process. Within all types of materials the illustrations graphics and tables are the most preferred among the interviewed teachers.