Liebe ist ewig

Wilhelm von Polenz (1861-1903)

Approximate level: B2
Length: 86,738 words
Reading time: 7 h 14 min
Chapters: 28
Language: German
On Project Gutenberg since: 2026

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This novel explores the dynamics within a German family at the turn of the twentieth century. The narrative focuses on the relationship between a domineering brother and his younger sister. For a language learner, the text offers a glimpse into historical domestic life and formal, descriptive prose. You will encounter detailed vocabulary related to household objects and scientific equipment. The sentence structures are relatively complex, often using subordinate clauses to build atmosphere, which provides a good challenge for intermediate learners of German.

24,517 downloads on Project Gutenberg

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Subjects

German fiction -- 20th century

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 7 h 14 min at a native pace, spread over 28 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 Liebe ist ewig 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.