German reading practice at A1

    Easy reading practice for German beginners. Every text here is written at A1: very short sentences, the most common words, one idea per sentence, and no subordinate clauses.

    Short stories at A1

    Articles about the German-speaking world at A1

    What A1 means

    A1 is the first CEFR level. At A1 you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. These texts keep to that: Präsens and simple Perfekt, main clauses only, and the highest-frequency vocabulary. Words that are still needed for the topic are underlined and explained beside the text.

    Every text is the same story at all three levels, so you can switch up or down on the page without losing your place in the topic.

    Common questions

    Is A1 German enough to start reading?
    Yes. These A1 texts are written for people who have just started German. You do not need to know grammar rules first: the sentences are short, the words are common, and the words you may not know yet are explained beside the text.
    How do I improve my German reading comprehension at A1?
    Read the A1 version first, then check the key points and take the short quiz. If a sentence is unclear, tap it to see the English meaning. When a text feels easy, read the same text again at A2: it is the same story, so you can focus on the new grammar.
    Are these texts free?
    Yes. All texts, translations, vocabulary lists and quizzes are free, and you do not need an account.