German stories with audio and English translations
Explore 654 free German short stories about everyday life. Choose a level, listen to the narration and use the English translation or word meanings when you need help.
A1 German stories
Beginner · 104 stories
Start with introductions, shopping, food and daily routines. Short sentences and familiar situations help you follow your first German stories. Listen once, read with the English help, then listen again.
- Hallo, Mia!77 words · Audio & quiz
- Sam hat heute frei86 words · Audio & quiz
- Die Zeitung beim Frühstück71 words · Audio & quiz
A2 German stories
Elementary · 150 stories
Follow everyday requests, shared plans and personal experiences. These stories introduce longer exchanges and connected events, with audio and English help when you need it.
- Ein Paket für die Nachbarin214 words · Audio & quiz
- Ein Regal zieht um207 words · Audio & quiz
- Ein Abend ohne Bildschirm201 words · Audio & quiz
B1 German stories
Intermediate · 200 stories
Explore different opinions, explain decisions and follow how events connect. Read for the main idea first, then use the narration, word meanings and quiz to work through the details.
- Ein ruhiges Zimmer, bitte655 words · Audio & quiz
- Der Preis des kleinen Druckers619 words · Audio & quiz
- Ein Ort, an dem man bleiben kann663 words · Audio & quiz
B2 German stories
Upper intermediate · 200 stories
Work with more detailed accounts, competing viewpoints and meaning that is not stated directly. Compare what characters say with what they imply, then check your reading with the comprehension questions.
- Die unsichtbare Stufe943 words · Audio & quiz
- Ein Zimmer auf Zeit931 words · Audio & quiz
- Wem gehört der Dachboden?922 words · Audio & quiz
How to practise German with a short story
- Listen once without the translation and notice the situation and main idea.
- Read the German text. Open a word meaning or English translation when a sentence is unclear.
- Listen again while following the text, then answer the comprehension questions.
- Save useful words for review and try describing the story in your own German.
Start at A1 if you are new to German. If you can follow everyday conversations, try A2 or B1; B2 adds more detailed arguments and implied meaning. The level labels guide practice and are not an exam or certificate.
For a study routine, follow the German self-study course. For a longer read, explore our German books with audio.