Bahnwärter Thiel
- Approximate level
- C1
- Length
- 15,842 words
- Reading time
- 1 h 19 min
- Chapters
- 12
- Language
- German
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 2009
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This novella by Gerhart Hauptmann, published in 1888, follows the life of a railway signalman. It is a classic example of German Naturalism, focusing on the harsh realities of working-class life. The language is descriptive and precise, though it features long, complex sentences typical of nineteenth-century prose. You will encounter specific vocabulary related to railway work and rural life. It is a demanding read because of its dense syntax and the somber, psychological themes that define the protagonist's difficult existence.
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Subjects
- German fiction -- 19th century
Questions about this book
What level of German do I need for this book?
The estimate is C1, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.
Is this book really free?
Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.
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How long does it take to read?
About 1 h 19 min at a native pace, spread over 12 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.
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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.