Der Nibelunge liet

Der Nibelunge liet

Karl Joseph Simrock (1802-1876)

Approximate level
C1
Length
88,588 words
Reading time
7 h 23 min
Chapters
39
Language
German
On Project Gutenberg since
2015

This epic poem, written in Middle High German, recounts the legendary saga of the Nibelungs. It is a challenging read because the language differs significantly from modern German, featuring archaic vocabulary and distinct grammatical structures. The narrative focuses on themes of heroism, courtly life, and tragic conflict. The sentences are structured in rhythmic stanzas, which can be demanding for learners. This text provides a unique opportunity to engage with the foundational literature of the German language in its original, historical form.

1,258 downloads on Project Gutenberg

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Subjects

  • Epic poetry, German

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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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 49 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 7 h 23 min at a native pace, spread over 39 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.