Deutsch lernen (A2) | Das Deutschlandlabor | Folge 04: Literatur

Summary

The video explores literature in Germany, highlighting the country’s strong reading culture, with 9 out of 10 Germans reading at least one book per year. It delves into the popularity of classic German authors like Goethe and Schiller, as well as the growing interest in contemporary genres. Bookstores play a key role in guiding readers, offering both fiction and non-fiction recommendations. The video also touches on how literature remains a key component in education, with students reading works by classic writers like Brecht. The playful poetry experiment illustrates the creative spirit of German readers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Germans are avid readers, with 9 out of 10 reading at least one book per year.
• 😀 On average, a German reader reads more than nine books annually, and one in four reads more than 18 books a year.
• 😀 A book is considered a perfect vacation companion for over 70% of Germans.
• 😀 While many Germans enjoy classic literature like Goethe and Schiller, it is often associated with school rather than personal reading.
• 😀 People in Germany enjoy various genres, including thrillers, horror, crime novels, drama, and non-fiction books.
• 😀 Many Germans prefer to read newer literature or modern classics from the 20th century rather than older works.
• 😀 Berlin, being the capital, plays a central role in Germany's literary market, with most publishers and authors based there.
• 😀 Bookstores in Germany offer personalized recommendations, with booksellers knowing their customers' preferences well.
• 😀 Bookstores typically sell a mix of fiction, both by German and international authors, and non-fiction works.
• 😀 In schools, students still study classic German authors like Goethe, Schiller, and Brecht, especially for high school exams.
• 😀 An impromptu poetry experiment on the street demonstrated that Germans have a natural talent for writing poetry and enjoy creative expression.

Q & A

What is the significance of literature in Germany?

Literature holds a prominent place in German culture, with Germany being referred to as the 'land of poets and thinkers'. It has a long tradition and continues to be important today.

Do Germans really read Goethe and Schiller?

While Goethe and Schiller are well-known figures in German literature, many Germans are familiar with them mainly from their school education. However, some still read their works, especially the classics.

How often do Germans read books?

Around 9 out of 10 Germans read at least one book per year. On average, a German reader consumes more than nine books annually, and one in four reads more than 18 books a year.

What types of books do Germans enjoy reading?

Germans enjoy a variety of genres, including crime novels, thrillers, historical novels, drama, and non-fiction books like essays and biographies.

Do Germans prefer reading printed books or digital formats?

The script does not mention a clear preference for digital or printed books, but it emphasizes the importance of bookshops and the availability of books in physical stores, suggesting that physical books still play a significant role.

What role does Berlin play in the German literary scene?

Berlin is a central hub for the literary market in Germany, home to many publishing houses and a large number of authors.

What can be found in a typical German bookstore?

German bookstores typically offer a wide range of books, including fiction (Belletristik), novels, and stories by both German-speaking and international authors.

Why do people visit bookstores in Germany?

People visit bookstores for various reasons, including to be entertained, informed, or to escape their daily routine.

What books do students study in German schools?

German students still study works by classic authors like Goethe, Schiller, and Brecht as part of their curriculum, particularly in high school for the Abitur (final exams).

What literary genres are most popular among German readers?

The most popular genres in Germany include crime novels, thrillers, dramas, and contemporary classics from the 20th century.