Which languages can I read The Lion and the Ass 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 153 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.

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

Der Löwe und der Esel

Aesop

In each language: The Lion and the Ass · Der Löwe und der Esel · El león y el asno · Le Lion et l’Âne chassant · Il Leone e l’Asino

A lion and an ass agree to go hunting together. When they see some wild goats run into a cave, they make a plan: the ass will go in and drive them out, while the lion waits at the entrance. Everything goes to plan, but the proud ass wants praise and gets a frank answer.

In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 150 words · 5 min to read.

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How it begins

GermanEnglish

Ein Löwe und ein Esel beschlossen, gemeinsam auf die Jagd zu gehen. Auf der Suche nach Beute sahen die Jäger eine Anzahl Wildziegen in eine Höhle laufen und schmiedeten Pläne, um sie zu fangen.

A Lion and an Ass agreed to go hunting together. In their search for game the hunters saw a number of Wild Goats run into a cave, and laid plans to catch them.

Der Esel sollte in die Höhle gehen und die Ziegen heraustreiben, während der Löwe am Eingang stehen würde, um sie zu erlegen.

The Ass was to go into the cave and drive the Goats out, while the Lion would stand at the entrance to strike them down.

Der Plan funktionierte wunderbar. Der Esel machte in der Höhle einen solch schrecklichen Lärm, trat aus und schrie aus Leibeskräften, dass die Ziegen in panischer Angst herausrannten, nur um dem Löwen zum Opfer zu fallen.

The plan worked beautifully. The Ass made such a frightful din in the cave, kicking and braying with all his might, that the Goats came running out in a panic of fear, only to fall victim to the Lion.

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

Languages

The Lion and the Ass · English (original)153 words · ~5 min
Der Löwe und der Esel · GermanB1 Intermediate · 148 words · ~5 min
El león y el asno · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 144 words · ~5 min
Le Lion et l’Âne chassant · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 144 words · ~5 min
Il Leone e l’Asino · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 131 words · ~5 min

Open in the reader: German with English · English with Spanish · 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 Lion and the Ass 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 153 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.