Classic
Die tapferen Dreihundert
James Baldwin (1841–1925)
In each language: The Brave Three Hundred · Die tapferen Dreihundert · Los trescientos valientes · Les trois cents braves · I valorosi trecento
A huge Persian army marches on Greece, and the only way in on that side is a narrow pass between the mountains and the sea, guarded by King Leonidas and three hundred Spartan soldiers. Facing a far larger enemy, they decide to hold their ground no matter the cost.
In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 400 words · 5 min to read.
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How it begins
Ganz Griechenland war in Gefahr. Ein mächtiges Heer, angeführt vom großen König von Persien, war aus dem Osten gekommen. Es marschierte die Meeresküste entlang und würde in wenigen Tagen in Griechenland sein.
All Greece was in danger. A mighty army, led by the great King of Persia, had come from the east. It was marching along the seashore, and in a few days would be in Greece.
Der große König hatte Boten in jede Stadt und jeden Staat gesandt und sie aufgefordert, ihm Wasser und Erde als Zeichen dafür zu geben, dass das Land und das Meer ihm gehörten. Doch sie sagten:
The great king had sent messengers into every city and state, bidding them give him water and earth in token that the land and the sea were his. But they said,—
"Nein: Wir wollen frei sein."
"No: we will be free."
Languages
- The Brave Three Hundred · English (original)404 words · ~5 min
- Die tapferen Dreihundert · GermanB1 Intermediate · 380 words · ~5 min
- Los trescientos valientes · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 383 words · ~5 min
- Les trois cents braves · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 413 words · ~5 min
- I valorosi trecento · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 370 words · ~5 min
Open in the reader: German with English · Spanish with English · French with English · Italian with English
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Reading it as a parallel text
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Questions
- Which languages can I read The Brave Three Hundred in?
- English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. 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?
- In translation, German, Spanish, French and Italian are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.
- How long is it?
- About 404 words: around 5 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 e-reader files (EPUB, and AZW3 and MOBI for Kindle) need a free account; the PDF doesn't.
- 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.