Which languages can I read The Golden Goose 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.

In translation, German, Spanish, French and Italian are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.

About 1,583 words: around 10–15 min of reading, with the translation beside it. The time depends on the edition's level: an easier edition is read more slowly.

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.

Classic

Die goldene Gans

Brothers Grimm

In each language: The Golden Goose · Die goldene Gans · La oca de oro · L’Oie d’or · L’oca d’oro

The youngest of three brothers, scorned by everyone and called Dummling, is the only one who shares his plain cinder-cake with a hungry old man in the forest. In return he finds a golden goose among the roots of a tree, and anyone who touches it sticks fast.

In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 1,600 words · 10–15 min to read.

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Each paragraph followed by its English for your e-reader or tablet, or a side-by-side PDF to print. Which file do I need?

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How it begins

GermanEnglish

Es war ein Mann, der hatte drei Söhne, von denen der jüngste Dummling genannt wurde und bei jeder Gelegenheit verachtet, verspottet und ausgelacht wurde.

There was a man who had three sons, the youngest of whom was called Dummling, and was despised, mocked, and sneered at on every occasion.

Es begab sich, dass der älteste in den Wald gehen wollte, um Holz zu hauen, und bevor er ging, gab ihm seine Mutter einen schönen süßen Kuchen und eine Flasche Wein mit, damit er nicht vor Hunger oder Durst leiden musste.

It happened that the eldest wanted to go into the forest to hew wood, and before he went his mother gave him a beautiful sweet cake and a bottle of wine in order that he might not suffer from hunger or thirst.

Als er in den Wald kam, traf er ein kleines, graues Männlein, das ihn grüßte und sagte: „Gib mir doch ein Stück Kuchen aus deiner Tasche und lass mich einen Schluck von deinem Wein trinken; ich bin so hungrig und durstig.“

When he entered the forest he met a little grey-haired old man who bade him good day, and said: ‘Do give me a piece of cake out of your pocket, and let me have a draught of your wine; I am so hungry and thirsty.’

The opening paragraphs, as the reader shows them. Read on

Languages

The Golden Goose · English (original)1,583 words · ~10 min
Die goldene Gans · GermanB1 Intermediate · 1,479 words · ~10 min
La oca de oro · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 1,471 words · ~10 min
L’Oie d’or · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 1,627 words · ~15 min
L’oca d’oro · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 1,375 words · ~10 min

Open in the reader: German with English · Spanish with English · French with English · Italian with English

Reading it as a parallel text

A parallel text puts a story next to its translation, paragraph by paragraph. Read in the language you are working on and glance across only when a sentence stops you: the story keeps moving, and the words you look up stay in context. More in how to read with a parallel text.

Questions

Which languages can I read The Golden Goose 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 1,583 words: around 10–15 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.