Der kleine Herr Friedemann: Novellen

Thomas Mann (1875-1955)

Approximate level: B2
Length: 32,405 words
Reading time: 2 h 42 min
Chapters: 48
Language: German
On Project Gutenberg since: 2011

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This collection of short stories by Thomas Mann offers a glimpse into the late nineteenth century. The language is sophisticated and precise, reflecting the formal tone of the era. You will encounter complex sentence structures and a rich, descriptive vocabulary that requires careful attention. The narrative focuses on themes of physical frailty, social expectations, and the quiet struggles of the individual. It is a demanding read for learners, as it uses nuanced phrasing to explore the inner lives of its characters.

1,840 downloads on Project Gutenberg

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Subjects

Fiction
Short stories, German

Questions about this book

What level of German do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, 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.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 2 h 42 min at a native pace, spread over 48 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

Is there an easier version of this book?

Yes, in the Lingo7 app. Next to the original, you can add an adapted version that tells the same story of Der kleine Herr Friedemann: Novellen in simpler words and shorter sentences, at about A2 level. It is made with AI from the public domain text, page by page as you read, and the app marks it as an adaptation. You choose between the two on this page.