Der Untertan
- Approximate level
- C1
- Length
- 131,230 words
- Reading time
- 10 h 56 min
- Chapters
- 7
- Language
- German
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 2011
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This novel explores the life of Diederich Heßling in imperial Germany. It is a satirical examination of authority, submission, and the social structures of the time. For a learner of German, the text presents a moderate challenge. You will encounter descriptive, somewhat formal vocabulary typical of early twentieth century literature. The sentences are often long and complex, requiring careful attention to grammatical structure. Reading this book offers a deep look into the psychological development of a character shaped by rigid societal expectations.
3,837 downloads on Project Gutenberg
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Subjects
- German fiction -- 20th century
- Satire, German
- Germany -- Politics and government -- Fiction
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.
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 49 languages.
How long does it take to read?
About 10 h 56 min at a native pace, spread over 7 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.