Easy German ReadingSimple Texts For Beginners (A1 - B2)
Try out our free German reading material for beginners & intermediates to improve your reading comprehension. Reading simple German texts does not have to be boring.
A1 Texts
Our German A1 texts are for beginners who have just started learning and want to read their first texts in German. They're written in simple German and are kept quite short:
Rammstein
A simple text about the controversial German metal band Rammstein. Start reading & see how much you can understand. Ready? Feuer frei!
The Story of Anne Frank
Anne Frank was a German girl in the Netherlands, hiding from the Nazis. This text recounts her tragic story which should not be forgotten.
Das Brandenburger Tor
Embark on a journey through time and explore the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Berlin's rich history and cultural heritage.
Hildegard von Bingen
Step back in time and discover the extraordinary life of Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval visionary, saint and polymath.
A2 Texts
Our German A1 texts are for beginners who have just started learning and want to read their first texts in German. They're written in simple German and are kept quite short:
Das Berghain
Berlin is famous for its clubbing culture, but the most famous Berlin night club is the mysterious Berghain. A text about techno, fetish wear & very long queues.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Who was Friedrich Nietzsche? What was his life like? What were his ideas? And, most importantly: why should we read his philosophy today?
Käthe Kollwitz
Käthe Kollwitz was a German artist who is best known for her prints and sculptures. She is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
C.G. Jung
Let's explore the enigmatic and captivating world of C. G. Jung, the father of analytical psychology. What were his ideas on dreams, archetypes & shadow work?
B1 Texts
Our German A1 texts are for beginners who have just started learning and want to read their first texts in German. They're written in simple German and are kept quite short:
Unheimliche Kreaturen
Auch in Deutschland gibt es viele Sagen und Mythen um unheimliche Kreaturen und Gestalten. Von Feldgeistern und Drachen erzählen wir euch in diesem Artikel.
Der Schinderhannes
Schinderhannes war ein deutscher Räuber, welcher am Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts lebte. In diesem Artikel stellen wir euch die Figur des Schinderhannes vor und erzählen euch ein bisschen über sein Leben.
B2 Texts
Our German A1 texts are for beginners who have just started learning and want to read their first texts in German. They're written in simple German and are kept quite short:
E.T.A Hoffmann
Nach der Zeit der Aufklärung befassten sich die Menschen bald wieder mit Gefühlen, dem Irrationalen ... ja, sogar mit dem Übernatürlichen. Entdecke die fantastische Welt E.T.A. Hoffmanns mit uns.
Hexen & Wahn
Magie, Chaos und Frauenfeindlichkeit - ein Streifzug durch die schreckliche Frühe Neuzeit: Es mangelte an Nahrung, doch nicht an ziegenreitenden, fliegenden Hexen.
Magnus Hirschfeld
Magnus Hirschfeld kämpfte schon vor mehr als 100 Jahren für LGBTQ+-Rechte und -Toleranz. Was waren seine Ziele? Lasst uns es gemeinsam herausfinden.
Weihnachten in Deutschland
Welche Weihnachtstraditionen kennst du? Weißt du, wie die Deutschen Weihnachten feiern? In diesem Artikel stellen wir dir die wichtigsten Bräuche vor.
German Texts For BeginnersGuide To Our Reading Material
Let's see how to best improve your German reading comprehension & make the most out of our free texts and other material.
Let's talk about how to improve German reading comprehension. As a language learner, reading is an important skill to master. However, it can often feel like half an eternity before you can tackle your very first book or novel. There a few tricks you can use to speed up your learning through reading. Ready?
- Start with Short and Simple Texts: Begin your reading journey with simple German texts or short stories. These texts are typically accompanied by vocabulary lists and explanations, making it easier for you to understand the content.
- Focus on Contextual Understanding: Rather than obsessing over every unknown word, focus on comprehending the overall meaning of the text. Understanding the context will often help you decipher unfamiliar vocabulary without relying heavily on a dictionary.
- Use Context Clues: Context clues are essential tools for understanding unfamiliar words. Pay attention to the surrounding words, sentence structure, and topic of the text to derive meaning from context. This method allows you to build your vocabulary organically while improving reading comprehension.
- Make Vocabulary Lists: While reading, jot down unfamiliar words and phrases in a vocabulary notebook. Review and practice these words regularly to reinforce your learning. You can also create flashcards or use language learning apps to enhance your German vocabulary retention.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your German reading skills. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to engage with easy German reading material. The more you practice, the faster you'll progress.
- Engage in Active Reading: Actively engage with the text by highlighting key points, underlining important vocabulary, and taking notes. Summarize what you've read or discuss it with a language partner or tutor. These activities reinforce your understanding and help you retain information.
- Join Language Exchange Communities: Participate in language exchange communities or find a language partner to practice your German reading skills. Discussing the texts, asking questions, and receiving feedback will accelerate your progress and expose you to different perspectives.
- Employ Reading Strategies: Use reading strategies like scanning (quickly searching for specific information), skimming (reading for a general idea), and predicting (guessing the content based on context) to improve your reading efficiency and overall comprehension.
Where To Find Easy German Reading Material
- Online Language Learning Platforms: Websites like Deutsche Welle and Deutsch Perfekt provide a variety of easy German texts, articles, and comprehension exercises.
- Language Learning Apps: Utilize language learning apps such as Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel that offer interactive reading exercises and beginner-friendly content.
- Children's Books: Explore German children's literature, starting with picture books and gradually moving on to more complex stories. Children's books provide engaging and approachable reading material for beginners.
- Graded Readers: Graded readers offer leveled texts specifically designed for language learners. These books present a range of topics and genres to suit your interests.
- German Newspapers and Magazines: As you progress, consider reading simplified versions of German newspapers or magazines targeted towards language learners. These publications often provide articles on current events, lifestyle, and culture.
The Power of Extensive Reading
Apart from using easy German reading material, it's crucial to incorporate extensive reading into your language learning routine. Extensive reading refers to reading for pleasure and general understanding rather than intense focus on every word.
By immersing yourself in a wide range of German texts, including books, articles, and blogs, you develop a natural intuition for the language and improve your overall language skills. Extensive reading helps you become a more fluent and confident reader while expanding your vocabulary and cultural knowledge.
Improving your German reading comprehension is an essential step in your language learning journey. By incorporating easy German reading material into your routine, following the tips mentioned above, and leveraging the available resources, you'll steadily enhance your skills, expand your vocabulary, and develop a deeper understanding of the German language.
Embrace the process, stay consistent, and enjoy the rewarding experience of learning German through easy reading materials.