6 Novels in German For Beginners And Intermediate Learners

Using cheap used books uk and workbooks to learn German can only get you far. After a while, you'll need to start putting the puzzle together by conversing with people, viewing German films, reading blogs and newspapers, and reading German short tales.

It's time to move on to more extended reading materials once you've gotten used to reading shorter pieces. Today, I'd like to introduce you to the six best books to learn German that are entertaining and accessible to beginners and advanced German readers.

Many were converted into films, television shows, or radio plays. When possible, I've included links to these and other resources. 

(Not Only) For Children

First, look at some great German children's, and youth's novels that I believe are still relevant to adult readers. Many of these works make do with shorter sentences and more clear syntax, making them an excellent starting point for reading full-length German books.

1. Timm Thaler oder Das verkaufte Lachen – James Krüss (1962)

Timm Thaler or the Sold Laughter (Timm Thaler or the Sold Laughter) is a children's tale written by German author James Krüss and published in 1962. It depicts the story of a young kid who exchanges his laughter for the ability to win any bet he places with a wealthy Baron. 

In 1979, the famous story was translated into a 13-part German children's television miniseries, an animated series, movies, and other adaptations.

2. Die unendliche Geschichte – Michael Ende (1984)

The Neverending Story (German: Die unendliche Geschichte) is a fantasy novel by German author Michael Ende made into a popular TV series and film.

The story revolves around a lonely little boy named Bastian and a weird book that takes him into the mystical world of Fantastica, which is threatened by "The Nothing." Only a human has the power to save the enchanted country by renaming its queen, the Childlike Empress. 

However, the path to her tower is treacherous, passing through dragons, monsters, and mystical beings. Bastian may never return once he begins his mission. As he becomes further immersed in Fantastica, he must summon the strength to confront increasingly horrific adversaries and his undiscovered truths.

3. Momo – Michael Ende (1973)

Momo, another well-known work by Michael Ende, is about time and how it is exploited in modern life. In German, the full title is "Momo or the bizarre narrative of the time thieves and the youngster who returns stolen time to the people." Die Frauen Männer is another title for the book (The Grey Gentlemen).

Momo is illiterate, unable to count, and has no idea how old she is. However, she is well-known in the neighbourhood for her exceptional listening skills. She may help individuals address their problems simply by being with them and listening to them.

4. Classic German Novels (And Novellas)

Let's have a look at some literary classics next. The vocabulary and syntax are more complex than in the previous books. These are not books for complete novices but rather for individuals just beginning their journey through the great German classics. (If these are too challenging, look for simplified German editions of these classics.)

5. Die Verwandlung – “Metamorphosis”, by Franz Kafka

This German novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915 and regarded as one of the twentieth century's most important works of literature, is still studied in schools and universities worldwide. Kafka's prose is easier for German learners than many older German literary masterpieces.

6. Homo Faber. Ein Bericht, by Max Frisch

This German novel by Swiss author Max Frisch, published in 1959, is about Walter Faber, a successful engineer who prefers facts to feelings, logic to love, and scientific evidence to emotions. He does well with this reasonable attitude to life until he is confronted with bizarre coincidences that drive him to reconsider his entire worldview.

This novel, written in modern German from a first-person perspective, is a terrific place to start for German students looking for full-length reading material that is neither too demanding nor too shallow. Homo Faber is regarded as a modern German classic, and it was adapted into a film starring Sam Shepard by German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff.

How To Get Free German Novels

All of the books mentioned above are regarded as classics in literature. However, if you're seeking more recent German novels, check out this page for instructions on how to get free German stories for your tablet, e-reader, smartphone, or computer.

You'll learn many new terms if you combine these free German ebooks with interactive dictionaries for Android or iOS. Who needs textbooks in the first place?