Understanding Your German Proficiency for Reading Modern Novels

To comfortably read modern German novels like B2, level in German, several factors come into play. Here's a breakdown of why achieving this proficiency level ensures a better reading experience:

Vocabulary

B2 learners typically have a broader vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and more nuanced language often used in literature. Novels often contain advanced vocabulary and idioms that are challenging for lower-level learners. Building a richer vocabulary through consistent exposure to literature, articles, and reports can significantly enhance your reading comprehension.

Complex Sentence Structures

Novels often feature complex sentence structures and linguistic devices that may be difficult for less advanced learners. Deploying a diverse range of sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses, prepositional phrases, and conditionals, can help improve your reading experience.

Understanding Themes and Subtext

Understanding themes, character development, and subtext is crucial in appreciating literary works. B2 learners are better equipped to grasp these nuances, which is essential for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the text.

Reading Comprehension

B2 learners can read articles and reports with relative ease. With some effort, they can tackle literary texts, making it easier to understand the narrative flow and context. As you progress to more complex texts, your reading comprehension will naturally improve.

A Personal Journey: Learning from Experience

Back in 1994, my German proficiency was around the B1 level. On a Sunday evening in Salzburg, while window shopping with my husband, I spotted a paperback book in the window. It turned out to be a favorite science fiction book by Marion Zimmer Bradley titled Gildenhaus Thendara.

I translated the title and realized it was a book I loved. Despite being on a tight schedule, I insisted that we buy and return to the bookstore as soon as it opened the next day. However, I did not start reading the book until about a month later when we were back in the USA. In those days, there were no online dictionaries or translation tools like Google Translate; I had to rely on books like '500 Verbs' to understand the imperfect verb forms.

Reading the first page took me a week, and the first chapter took about two months. The entire book took a whole year to read. By the end, I was getting nervous about what I would read next. That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and search online using the ISBN to find more books by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Resources and Methods

Gradually increasing your exposure to reading materials, such as shorter stories or simplified texts, can build confidence before tackling full-length novels. Supplementing your reading with vocabulary lists and summaries can also enhance comprehension. Additionally, using online resources like DWDD W?rterbuch and can be incredibly helpful.

Modern Approaches and Technologies

Online video content has become a valuable resource for foreign language learners. However, nothing beats the immersive experience of curling up with a good book. In 1996, after finding the novel online, I discovered that there were more books in the same series available. By the end of 1997, my friend in Switzerland had secured several more books for me, which kept me engaged in German reading for two more years.

Now, I often encourage language learners to find their favorite books and read them in German. If you love a book, you can fall in love with it again in a foreign language. This practice also helps your brain pick up the pattern and sentence structure of the language, making it seem more natural as you advance in your studies.

However, it would be even better if books like the Liaden Universe series were available as eBooks in German. This would provide more flexible and accessible reading options for language learners.