You love reading different books and constantly learning new things, but you’re also wanting to improve your German skills? Then this article is perfect for you! Here, we introduce the classics of German literature – in an entertaining way. These books are especially valuable for all those learning German, as they enrich both the language and cultural understanding.

For German level A2:

Als ich ein kleiner Junge war

Erich Kästner 

In this book, Erich Kästner tells the story of his childhood 100 years ago in Dresden. Despite hard work and punishments, there were also happy moments. The young Erich was a thoughtful boy who asked himself questions – why was he afraid of Christmas, and why was Richard Naumann always after him? Through short stories, Kästner gives us a glimpse into his life as a child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kurzgeschichten “Lange Schatten”

Marie-Luise Kaschnitz

In this anthology, taken from Lange Schatten, the short stories move in the tension between the ordinary and the eerie-demonic. They are permeated by mysterious, inexplicable forces that cast the world of the protagonists in a strange, often threatening light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For German levels A2/B2:

Faust – Eine Tragödie

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This comic makes the classics of German literature accessible in an entertaining way. With simplified picture stories that offer surprising decision moments, the plot comes to life. It includes exercises for reading and listening comprehension, as well as information about the life and work of the author. A comic video for reading along and listening completes the offering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan der Weise

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

In this comic, the classics of German literature are told in an entertaining way. Linguistically simplified picture stories with surprising decision moments bring the plot to life. Additionally, there are exercises for reading and listening comprehension, as well as background information about the life and work of the author. A comic video for reading along and listening offers an extra feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Der Schimmelreiter

Theodor Storm

This novella tells the story of Deichgraf Hauke Haien, who fights against storms and floods on the North Sea coast. In doing so, he must overcome not only nature but also the ignorance of his fellow humans. This simplified retelling of Theodor Storm’s novella includes exercises on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as an online project and thematic dossiers about the North Sea and the novella.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Die Räuber

Friedrich Schiller

In this book, Karl decides to leave his extravagant student life behind and return to his family. However, his jealous brother Franz does everything to prevent this. Out of frustration, Karl becomes the leader of a gang of robbers and sinks deeper into his misfortune.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Die Weiße Rose

Inge Scholl

In this book, the author tells the story of her siblings, Hans and Sophie Scholl, who stood up against the tyrannical Hitler regime as part of the resistance group White Rose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wish you lots of fun with reading and learning German! Part 2 will be released soon – specifically for the B2 level, as well as for children and teenagers with German skills at the A2/B1 level.