Easy German Reading PracticeFree Texts For Beginners
& Intermediates (A2, B1, B2)
& Intermediates (A2, B1, B2)
German reading practice does not have to be boring: why not try out our free texts for beginners & intermediates to improve reading comprehension?
Reading German texts at the appropriate level is important, so as not to overwhelm yourself, or waste time reading content that never challenges you. This is why we have put together some texts for you, separated by level, to help you improve your German reading comprehension.
Free Beginner Texts (A1, A2)
If you're looking for easy German reading material for beginners, you might want to try out one of these texts. They're written in very simple language, suitable for A1 & A2 German learners. If they're still a bit difficult, try to just read a single paragraph in German and take it from there.
Rammstein
The Story of Anne Frank
Das Brandenburger Tor
Hildegard von Bingen
Free Intermediate Texts (B1)
Next up are our intermediate German texts for learners who are roughly at a B1 level. Just as the beginner texts above, the B1 texts are kept short, so they are easily digestible.
Das Berghain
Friedrich Nietzsche
Käthe Kollwitz
C.G. Jung
However, at this level you might also want to check out our longer texts. These texts are also roughly at a B1 level, but they're longer and go into more depth. They contain translations of important and difficult vocabulary words, so you might be able to read them, even if your German level isn't quite B1 yet.
Unheimliche Kreaturen aus deutschen Sagen
Schinderhannes - Ein deutscher Räuber
Free Advanced Texts (B2, C1)
The following are more advanced German texts, so they're roughly at a B2 level. That being said, you might want to try reading them in any case, even if you feel your level is closer to B1. They come with translations & illustrations, so just give it a go.
E.T.A Hoffmann & die Schwarze Romantik
Hexen & Wahn: Die Hexenverfolgung
Magnus Hirschfeld & die Homosexuelle Bewegung
Weihnachten: Nikolaus, Christkind & Knecht Ruprecht
Improving German Reading Comprehension
Reading in German can be a great way to improve your language skills, but it can also be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Whether you're reading for pleasure, for school or for work, there are several strategies you can use to make the process easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we'll share five useful tips for German learners who want to improve their reading skills. From finding appropriate reading material to building your vocabulary, these tips will help you read more effectively and confidently in German.
1. Read Material at Your Level
When you're learning to read in German, it's important to start with material that's appropriate for your level. If you try to read texts that are too difficult, you'll likely get frustrated and discouraged. On the other hand, if you stick to material that's too easy, you won't be challenging yourself enough to make real progress.
One way to find appropriate reading material is to look for graded readers, which are books that have been specifically written for language learners. Another option is to search for articles or short stories online and use a tool like our interactive reading app to help you with vocabulary and comprehension.
2. Read actively
When you're reading in German, it's important to read actively rather than passively. This means that you should engage with the text, rather than just letting your eyes skim over the words. Some active reading techniques include underlining or highlighting important words or phrases, summarizing the main idea of each paragraph, and asking yourself questions about the text as you go.
3. Use context clues
If you come across a word or phrase that you don't understand while reading in German, don't immediately reach for a dictionary. Instead, try to use context clues to figure out the meaning of the word. Look for clues in the surrounding sentences and paragraphs, as well as any pictures or diagrams that accompany the text. You might be surprised at how much you can understand with a little bit of context.
4. Build your vocabulary
One of the best things you can do to improve your reading skills in German is to build your vocabulary. Try to learn a few new words every day, and make sure you're reviewing and practicing words you've already learned. Flashcards and spaced repetition apps like Anki can be helpful for this.
5. Read for pleasure
Finally, don't forget to read for pleasure! It's important to find material that you enjoy reading, whether that's fiction, non-fiction, news articles, or something else. When you're reading something that you're genuinely interested in, you're more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Plus, reading for pleasure can be a great way to learn new vocabulary and grammar in a natural and enjoyable way.