Which languages can I read The Romance of a Busy Broker 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 B2 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.

About 1,374 words: around 10 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 Romanze eines vielbeschäftigten Börsenmaklers

O. Henry

In each language: The Romance of a Busy Broker · Die Romanze eines vielbeschäftigten Börsenmaklers · El romance de un agente de bolsa ocupado · La romance d’un courtier affairé · Il romanzo di un agente di cambio indaffarato

Harvey Maxwell, a New York broker, is swept up in a frantic day of ticker tape, telephones and shouting clients. His stenographer, Miss Leslie, hesitates near his desk, but he has no time for her. At the noon lull, a scent of lilac drifts in, and he finally has a moment to speak to her.

In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 1,400 words · 10 min to read.

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How it begins

GermanEnglish

Pitcher, der vertrauliche Angestellte im Büro von Harvey Maxwell, einem Börsenmakler, ließ einen Ausdruck von mildem Interesse und Überraschung auf seinem normalerweise ausdruckslosen Gesicht zu, als sein Arbeitgeber um halb zehn in Begleitung seiner jungen Stenotypistin schwungvoll eintrat.

Pitcher, confidential clerk in the office of Harvey Maxwell, broker, allowed a look of mild interest and surprise to visit his usually expressionless countenance when his employer briskly entered at half past nine in company with his young lady stenographer.

Mit einem schnippischen „Guten Morgen, Pitcher“ stürzte Maxwell auf seinen Schreibtisch zu, als wolle er darüber hinwegspringen, und stürzte sich dann auf den riesigen Stapel Briefe und Telegramme, die dort auf ihn warteten.

With a snappy “Good-morning, Pitcher,” Maxwell dashed at his desk as though he were intending to leap over it, and then plunged into the great heap of letters and telegrams waiting there for him.

Die junge Dame war seit einem Jahr Maxwells Stenotypistin. Sie war auf eine Weise schön, die entschieden unstenographisch war. Sie verzichtete auf den Pomp der verführerischen Pompadour-Frisur. Sie trug keine Ketten, Armbänder oder Medaillons.

The young lady had been Maxwell’s stenographer for a year. She was beautiful in a way that was decidedly unstenographic. She forewent the pomp of the alluring pompadour. She wore no chains, bracelets or lockets.

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

Languages

The Romance of a Busy Broker · English (original)1,374 words · ~10 min
Die Romanze eines vielbeschäftigten Börsenmaklers · GermanB2 Intermediate · 1,349 words · ~10 min
El romance de un agente de bolsa ocupado · SpanishB2 Intermediate · 1,442 words · ~10 min
La romance d’un courtier affairé · FrenchB2 Intermediate · 1,498 words · ~10 min
Il romanzo di un agente di cambio indaffarato · ItalianB2 Intermediate · 1,358 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

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Questions

Which languages can I read The Romance of a Busy Broker 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 B2 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.
How long is it?: About 1,374 words: around 10 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.