Get to the book!
Try reading a German-language book as early as possible to expand your vocabulary and deepen your syntax and grammar. Of course it will take you longer to read a book in German instead of your native language, but the learning effect is enormous!
Find the right book
As soon as you have learning level A2 behind you, you should venture into “real” German books. In other words, reading material that is not aimed at people learning German, but rather at a broad German-speaking audience. Wonderful classics from children's literature would be a good introduction to reading German books and also to the culture. Children's book authors like Erich Kästner are still part of every German childhood and allow you to delve deeper into the culture behind the German language. More advanced readers can try out young adult literature as well as common reading material for adults.
Find the right book
Language level A2
Books by Erich Kästner: Pünktchen und Anton; Das fliegende Klassenzimmer; Das doppelte Lottchen
Marie Luise Kaschnitz: Kurzgeschichten
Michael Ende: Lenchens Geheimnis
Language level B1 Inge Scholl: Die weiße Rose
Ottfried Preußler: Krabat
Uwe Timm: Die Entdeckung der Currwurst
Language level B2 Bernhard Schlink: Der Vorleser
Wolfgang Herrndorf: Tschick
Daniel Kehlmann: Die Vermessung der Welt
Tip: Keep a notebook and pen handy for new vocabulary and don't treat the book like relaxing reading material to go to bed with. The first book in German is also a bit like an extra learning lesson.
Have fun while reading!
