Which languages can I read The Key in?

English and German. 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.

The original English is A2 Easy. In translation, German is A2 Easy. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.

About 1,231 words in 4 chapters: around 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.

The Key by DuoText: read it in English and German, side by side

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How it begins

GermanEnglish

1

Am Sonntagmorgen um neun klopft Nora bei Sam an die Tür. Sie hat den Umschlag mit dem Foto in der Hand, und sie sieht aus, als ob sie nicht geschlafen hat.

On Sunday morning Nora knocked on Sam's door at nine o'clock. She had the envelope with the photo in her hand, and she looked like she hadn't slept.

„Ich hab gesagt, dass ich heute bei ihr klopfe“, sagt sie. „Ich steh jetzt seit zwanzig Minuten im Hof. Kommst du mit? Du musst nichts sagen. Du musst nur dastehen.“

"I said I'd knock on her door today," she said. "I've been standing in the courtyard for twenty minutes. Will you come with me? You don't have to say anything. Just stand there."

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

Languages

The Key · English (original)A2 Easy · 1,231 words · ~15 min
Der Schlüssel · GermanA2 Easy · 1,278 words · ~15 min

Open in the reader: German with English · English with German

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 Key in?: English and German. 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?: The original English is A2 Easy. In translation, German is A2 Easy. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.
How long is it?: About 1,231 words in 4 chapters: around 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.