Ben was standing in Edith's kitchen with an empty postbag, waiting for my answer.
How it begins
Ben was standing in Edith's kitchen with an empty postbag, waiting for my answer.
Ben stand in Ediths Küche mit einer leeren Tasche und hat auf meine Antwort gewartet.
"I don't know," I said.
„Ich weiß es nicht“, habe ich gesagt.
It was the truth. It was also the worst possible answer. Ben looked at me as if I had hit him.
Es war die Wahrheit. Es war auch die schlechteste Antwort. Ben hat mich angesehen, als hätte ich ihn geschlagen.
Languages
- The Kitchen Table · English (original)B1 Intermediate · 2,046 words · ~15 min · Audio
- Der Küchentisch · GermanB1 Intermediate · 2,071 words · ~15 min · Audio
- La mesa de la cocina · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 1,964 words · ~15 min · Audio
- La table de la cuisine · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 2,305 words · ~20 min · Audio
German with English · Spanish with English · French with English · English with German · English with Spanish · English with French · German with Spanish · German with French · Spanish with German · Spanish with French · French with German · French with Spanish
Questions
Which languages can I read The Kitchen Table in?
English, German, Spanish and French. Pick the language you want to read and the one to keep beside it: every paragraph sits next to its translation, so you can check a sentence without losing your place.
What level is it?
The original English is B1 Intermediate. In translation, German, Spanish and French are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from Pre-A1 (starter) to C2.
How long is it?
About 2,046 words: around 15–20 min of reading, with the translation beside it. The time depends on the edition's level: an easier edition is read more slowly.
Is it free?
Yes. Read it online with no account. The downloads (PDF, EPUB, and AZW3 and MOBI for Kindle) need a free account.
Can I read it on a Kindle or Kobo?
Yes. Download the EPUB for Kobo, Apple Books and most e-readers, or the AZW3 or MOBI for a Kindle, with each paragraph followed by its translation. There is also a side-by-side PDF to print, and each language on its own.