10 best books to learn German with

Books have a way of shaping us — they open our minds, spark new ideas, and sometimes change how we see the world. 

Picking up a book in a foreign language takes this even further: you’re not just enjoying a story, you’re also learning, growing, and stepping into a new culture.  

Here’s our list of 10 great books for German learners, with a mix of genres, themes, lengths, and language levels. Dive into engaging reads that will boost your German skills while keeping you hooked.  

1. Die Känguru-Chroniken (The Kangaroo Chronicles) — by Marc-Uwe Kling

Let’s kick things off with a funny social satire about a kangaroo and his skeptical human roommate. Through witty and clever dialogue and absurd humor, Kling explores themes like capitalism, social justice, and human relationships.  

Why this book is great: It’s both hilarious and thought-provoking. The playful, dialogue-driven language makes it easy to follow for readers of all levels.  

2. Grimms Märchen (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) — by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

The Brothers Grimm fairy tales are a classic choice for learning German. The language is mostly simple, with some older, trickier words that give you a fun insight into 19th-century Germany. Plus, you get the “real” stories behind the Disney versions — dark twists and all.  

Why this book is great: Since these tales are well-known, even German learners with more basic skills can follow along and recognize key plot points, build vocabulary, and get a taste of German culture.  

3. Vom Aufstehen (On Getting Up) — by Helga Schubert 

This award-winning book tells the story of an East German woman’s life in the 20th century through a collection of essays. In her simple, yet expressive language (B1–B2 level), Schubert touches on major moments of German history — escape and displacement, the Stasi, and the fall of the Berlin Wall — while exploring the everyday experiences, struggles, and quiet victories of ordinary people.  

Why this book is great: It’s an ideal way to gain insight into Germany’s history and culture, and the short chapters make it easy to read in small doses.  

4. Momo — by Michael Ende 

Momo is the story of a little girl with a special gift: she listens. Mysterious “men in gray” start stealing people’s time, leaving them rushed and unhappy. Momo uses her empathy and courage to help the townspeople rediscover the value of time, friendship, and living in the moment.  

Why this book is great: With accessible language (B1–B2) and an enduring lesson about using our time wisely, it’s both magical and meaningful — perfect for learners of all ages.  

5. Liebe geht durch alle Zeiten series (Love Transcends Time) — by Kerstin Gier

Fantasy fans, this one’s for you! This trilogy of books (Rubinrot, Saphirblau, and Smaragdgrün) is full of time travel, adventure, history, and a touch of romance. It follows two teens who quickly realize their missions are far more complicated than they thought. These novels were such a hit that they even made it to the big screen and were published in English under the title Ruby Red Trilogy.  

Why this book is great: Fast-paced, gripping, and written in clear B2-level German — perfect if you want an exciting read without drowning in tricky vocabulary.  

6. Im Westen nichts Neues (All Quiet on the Western Front) — by Erich Maria Remarque

For more advanced learners, Im Westen Nichts Neues is a powerful novel about a young German soldier facing the brutal realities of WWI. The story delves into the physical and emotional toll of war, the loss of innocence, and the challenges of returning home after facing the hardships of war. Some readers may find this book heavy, as it contains vivid depictions of the realities of war.  

Why this book is great: With rich, expressive language, this book is perfect for learners ready to push their skills — and it gives meaningful insight into Germany’s history during WWI.  

7. Der Richter und sein Henker (The Judge and His Hangman) — by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

If you like clever, psychological crime stories, this one’s for you. This book actually contains two linked cases, with the second building smartly on the first. Dürrenmatt masterfully combines suspense with moral questions about justice, guilt, and human weakness, keeping you hooked until the last page.  

Why this book is great: It’s a gripping detective story with clear, accessible language, and a perfect intro to Swiss-German crime writing.  

8. Jakob der Lügner (Jakob the Liar) — by Jurek Becker

This book follows the story of Jakob, a man in a Jewish ghetto during World War II, who fabricates positive news of the war to give hope to those around him. The novel deals with themes of courage, hope, and human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. It was also adapted into a 1999 Hollywood film starring Robin Williams.   

Why this book is great: Written in straightforward language, this book is great for learners with an intermediate German level (B1–B2). The story is compelling and emotional, and provides important historical context about life in Nazi-occupied Europe.  

9. Drachenreiter (Dragon Rider) — by Cornelia Funke 

Drachenreiter follows the young dragon Lung and his friends on a quest to find a safe haven for dragons. Along the way, the story touches on courage, loyalty, and protecting nature — themes that make it just as enjoyable for adults as for kids. It was even adapted into an animated film that brings the magical world to life.  

Why this book is great: Written for younger readers, the language is clear and easy to follow, while the mix of adventure, humor, and deeper themes keeps it engaging for all ages.  

10. Das Leben ist eins der härtesten (Life is One of the Hardest) — by Giulia Becker

This heartfelt novel follows a quirky family navigating small-town life, everyday struggles, and the ups and downs of growing up. A witty read written in clear, modern language, this book is very approachable for learners from about B1 level.  

Why this book is great: It’s contemporary, funny, and full of everyday dialogues — a perfect glimpse into modern German life.

We hope that with these 10 German books, you’ll not only learn German language skills, but also get a glimpse into the culture and history of the German-speaking world.