Die Verwandlung

Die Verwandlung

Franz Kafka (1883-1924)

Approximate level
C1
Length
19,173 words
Reading time
1 h 36 min
Chapters
3
Language
German
On Project Gutenberg since
2007

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Original

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Adapted version, about A2

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This novella tells the story of a man who wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Written in the early twentieth century, the text features precise, descriptive German. While the vocabulary is generally accessible, the sentences are often long and complex, requiring careful attention to syntax. The narrative explores themes of alienation, family duty, and existential anxiety. It is a demanding but rewarding read for learners who wish to engage with classic psychological fiction and nuanced, formal prose.

7,884 downloads on Project Gutenberg

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Subjects

  • Psychological fiction
  • Metamorphosis -- 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 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 1 h 36 min at a native pace, spread over 3 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 Die Verwandlung 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.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.