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Intermediate German short stories.

Explore original German short stories with connected narration, misunderstandings, and decisions to follow. Their approximate B1–B2 targets make this collection a starting point for readers moving beyond basic everyday passages.

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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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Nach dem Schrauben

B1Romance≈440 words

Two people in a bicycle workshop need a better plan for getting home.

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Romance

Zwei Teilnehmer eines Fahrradkurses suchen eine Lösung für ihren langen Heimweg.

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Der blaue Kreis

B1Mystery≈460 words

Matching marks in returned library books lead to an unexpected puzzle.

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Mystery

Ein Zeichen in mehreren zurückgegebenen Büchern führt Tom zu einer kleinen Verwechslung.

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Es klingelt nebenan

B1Comedy≈460 words

A theatre rehearsal sends its doorbell cue to the wrong room.

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Comedy

Bei einer Theaterprobe hört niemand die Türklingel, die Erik sorgfältig vorbereitet hat.

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Der Bus zur Fähre

B1Travel and adventure≈440 words

A disrupted journey leaves two travellers looking for another way home.

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Travel and adventure

Eine geänderte Busroute lässt zwei Reisende eine neue Verbindung über das Wasser suchen.

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Zwei Stunden Küche

B1Friendship and family≈440 words

Sharing a kitchen brings old tensions between siblings back to the surface.

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Friendship and family

Während zweier Renovierungen teilen Geschwister die Küche ihrer Tante.

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Eine Minute von morgen

B1Fantasy≈470 words

A station clock offers its caretaker a borrowed minute, with a catch.

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Fantasy

Eine Bahnhofsuhr macht ihrem Hausmeister ein kleines Angebot mit einer genauen Rechnung.

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Ein Zimmer weniger

B1Romance≈480 words

A holiday booking brings two former partners back to a difficult conversation.

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Romance

Eine alte Wochenendbuchung bringt zwei ehemalige Partner wieder ins Gespräch.

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Drei Äpfel für einen Euro

B1Mystery≈440 words

Apples disappear from a market stall, while extra coins appear in the till.

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Mystery

Nach jeder Pause fehlen Äpfel, aber in der Kasse liegt mehr Geld.

Original short story written for this approximate editorial level.

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LingoReader. Drei Äpfel für einen Euro. Original short fiction, title cover, reading layout and navigation prepared for LingoReader.

Der Mann mit dem schwarzen Heft

B1Comedy≈460 words

A restaurant owner tries to impress the wrong visitor.

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Comedy

Eine Restaurantbesitzerin bereitet sich auf einen Besuch vor, der ganz anders gemeint ist.

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LingoReader. Der Mann mit dem schwarzen Heft. Original short fiction, title cover, reading layout and navigation prepared for LingoReader.

Der Mond muss durch die Tür

B1Travel and adventure≈450 words

A theatre group races to shelter a large set before the rain arrives.

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Travel and adventure

Vor einem Sommergewitter versucht eine Theatergruppe, ihre Kulissen ins Trockene zu bringen.

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LingoReader. Der Mond muss durch die Tür. Original short fiction, title cover, reading layout and navigation prepared for LingoReader.

Noch eine Besichtigung

B2Romance≈580 words

A flat viewing brings two former partners face to face again.

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Romance

Bei einem Wohnungstermin treffen zwei Menschen auf eine Zukunft, die sie einmal zusammen geplant hatten.

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Die zweite Quittung

B2Mystery≈560 words

Two customers bring documents for the same watch, but their stories differ.

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Mystery

Zwei Kunden bringen Quittungen für dieselbe Uhr, doch die Papiere erzählen verschiedene Geschichten.

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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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