Which languages can I read The White Ship 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 791 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

Das Weiße Schiff

James Baldwin (1841–1925)

In each language: The White Ship · Das Weiße Schiff · El Barco Blanco · Le Vaisseau Blanc · La Nave Bianca

Prince William, King Henry's beloved son, lingers in France with his young friends after his father sails home for England. Then they board a beautiful ship with white sails. The sea is smooth, the winds are fair, and as night falls, music and dancing fill the deck.

In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 800 words · 5 min to read.

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How it begins

GermanEnglish

König Heinrich, der gelehrte Schöne, hatte einen Sohn namens Wilhelm, den er über alles liebte. Der junge Mann war edel und tapfer, und jeder hoffte, dass er eines Tages der König von England sein würde.

King Henry, the Handsome Scholar, had one son, named William, whom he dearly loved. The young man was noble and brave, and everybody hoped that he would some day be the King of England.

Eines Sommers reiste Prinz Wilhelm mit seinem Vater über das Meer, um nach ihren Ländereien in Frankreich zu sehen. Sie wurden von all ihren dortigen Untertanen mit Freude empfangen, und der junge Prinz war so galant und freundlich, dass er die Liebe aller gewann, die ihn sahen.

One summer Prince William went with his father across the sea to look after their lands in France. They were welcomed with joy by all their people there, and the young prince was so gallant and kind, that he won the love of all who saw him.

Doch schließlich kam die Zeit für sie, nach England zurückzukehren. Der König stach mit seinen weisen Männern und tapferen Rittern früh am Tag in See; doch Prinz Wilhelm wartete mit seinen jüngeren Freunden noch eine Weile.

But at last the time came for them to go back to England. The king, with his wise men and brave knights, set sail early in the day; but Prince William with his younger friends waited a little while.

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

Languages

The White Ship · English (original)791 words · ~5 min
Das Weiße Schiff · GermanB1 Intermediate · 788 words · ~5 min
El Barco Blanco · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 796 words · ~5 min
Le Vaisseau Blanc · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 839 words · ~5 min
La Nave Bianca · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 765 words · ~5 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 White Ship 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 791 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.