Learn German by reading
Read German books online for intermediate learners
Practice German reading with complete literary works for upper-intermediate and advanced learners. Tap a compound, inflected form, or unfamiliar verb for help while keeping the full sentence in view.
German reading
Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1
German reading
Die Verwandlung
German reading
Also sprach Zarathustra
German reading
Faust: Der Tragödie erster Teil
Reading guide
How to practice German reading
German literary prose rewards readers who track clauses to the final verb and learn to split compounds into useful parts. B2 readers can start with focused novellas and letters; C1 readers can take on philosophical prose and verse. Look up the words that control the sentence and infer the rest from context.
Can I learn German by reading books?Yes. Reading builds recognition of vocabulary and grammar in connected text. Choose a book near your level and translate only the words that prevent you from following the sentence.
What German reading level should I choose?Use B1 and B2 as a guide, then test the first page. A useful book should be challenging while still letting you follow the plot without translating every line.