You love reading different books, constantly discovering new things, and improving your German skills along the way? Then this article is perfect for you! In this section, we present literature books that are especially suitable for the B2 level – but we also have exciting recommendations for children and teenagers at the A2/B1 level.
For German level B2:
Der kleine Grenzverkehr
Heinrich Böll
In this novel, a love story unfolds between an art-loving Berliner and an Austrian countess who pretends to be a chambermaid. During the Salzburg Festival, the aristocratic family disguises themselves as household staff to serve an American couple. Although the Americans see through the deception, they allow the count to enjoy himself, leading to misunderstandings and humorous complications.
Haus ohne Hüter
Heinrich Böll
The book tells the story of 12-year-old school friends Martin and Heinrich, who grow up in a war-torn Germany without fathers. Both lost their fathers in World War II and have to navigate a world shaped by the consequences of the war. The work highlights the challenges of growing up in such a difficult time.
Die Welt von gestern – Erinnerungen eines Europäers
Stefan Zweig
In his autobiographical work, Stefan Zweig looks back on his youth in Vienna at the beginning of the 20th century, a time of security and cultural exchange. World War I destroys this idyll and changes Europe forever. Zweig takes readers through the years leading up to fascism and World War II, embedding his personal experiences vividly within the historical context.
Drei Männer im Schnee
Erich Kästner
In this book, millionaire Tobler, who secures the second prize of a competition under a false name, heads to the mountains. Together with his servant, he plans to spend time in a hotel incognito and observe the people there discreetly. However, when he meets the winner of the first prize, a quick friendship develops. The idyll is abruptly disrupted when Tobler’s daughter arrives, leading to unexpected dramatic events.
Children’s and youth books (A2/B1)
Die unendliche Geschichte
Michael Ende
Bastian Balthasar Bux discovers The Neverending Story in a bookstore. Fascinated by the adventures of the hero Atréju, who must save Fantastica and the Childlike Empress, Bastian himself becomes part of the story. In Fantastica, he can be everything he isn’t in his own world, but soon the question arises: how can he leave this boundless land?
Momo
Michael Ende
The book is about Momo, a girl who lives in a ruin and, with her talent for listening, gives people the gift of time. However, when gray men appear, stealing people’s time, Momo must figure out how to stop the thieves.
Damals war es Friedrich
Hans Peter Richter
The book tells the story of two boys who live in the same house, go to school together, and become best friends. Friedrich, the Jewish boy, shows his friend and his family the Jewish way of life. The two families maintain a respectful and warm relationship. However, when Hitler and the Nazis come to power, the lives of Friedrich and his parents are forever changed.
Aus dem Tagebuch
Anne Frank
The book portrays the life of Anne Frank, who in 1942 lives with her Jewish family in a secret hiding place in Amsterdam to escape the Nazis. In her diary, she shares her thoughts, fears, and the constant danger of being discovered with an imaginary friend. She describes her experiences as a teenager and the conflicts within the family. Despite her hope for rescue, the family is eventually betrayed and deported to a concentration camp. Anne dies shortly before the war ends in the spring of 1945.
Paul, das Hauskind
Peter Härtling
The book tells the story of Paul, who, despite being surrounded by many people, feels lonely. Despite living in a large house full of family, he misses his parents, who are constantly busy and don’t notice how much Paul needs their care. It’s an empathetic, yet provocative narrative about whether modern life and parental care can coexist.
Did you enjoy our literature recommendations? We hope they not only provided you with exciting topics but also helped you improve your German!
