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Not sure of your level? Start with a short story. A selected level includes that level and one below. Classic ranges are editorial guides; story levels are writing targets.

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Was wir sagen würden

C2Friendship and family≈730 words

A family rehearses an explanation for a separation before a relative's visit.

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Friendship and family

Vor einem Familienbesuch wird die Erklärung einer Trennung mehrfach überarbeitet, bis eine einfache Frage sie verändert.

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Die Stelle für Beinahe

C2Fantasy≈720 words

An unusual application brings a clerk uncomfortably close to the past.

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Fantasy

Ein erfahrener Sachbearbeiter bearbeitet einen Antrag auf eine Erinnerung an ein Ereignis, das fast stattgefunden hätte.

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Was ich hörte

C2Romance≈700 words

An attentive listener begins to notice what his partner leaves unsaid.

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Romance

Ein aufmerksamer Zuhörer bemerkt an einem gewöhnlichen Abend, wie viel er in den Pausen selbst ergänzt.

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Das Wetter als Zeuge

C2Mystery≈680 words

Two accounts of a small accident fail to agree, despite sharing the same rainy setting.

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Mystery

Zwei Aussagen über einen kleinen Unfall passen nicht zusammen, obwohl beide auf den Regen verweisen.

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Unbeschadet dessen

C2Comedy≈630 words

Formal notes make a small dispute over a shared hallway increasingly difficult.

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Comedy

Zwei Nachbarn verteidigen mit immer förmlicheren Zetteln ihren Platz im Hausflur, bis sie ihn gemeinsam brauchen.

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Auf dem Rückweg

C2Travel and adventure≈710 words

A guide and a former mentor need a clearer conversation on a familiar walk.

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Travel and adventure

Eine Wanderführerin begleitet ihren früheren Ausbilder und muss eine vertraute Route neu beurteilen.

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A level is a starting point.

These are approximate editorial reading guides, not certified CEFR assessments or a test of your proficiency. A classic’s range reflects this edition’s language; a short story’s label is its writing target. Familiarity with the subject and the help you use can change how a text feels.

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