These German A2 graded readers are designed for Elementary learners who can understand frequently used expressions and communicate in simple, routine tasks. The stories use carefully calibrated vocabulary for the A2 CEFR level so you can enjoy reading while naturally expanding your German. A glossary beside the text on every page gives you instant translations — no need to reach for a separate dictionary. Each chapter includes exercises that test comprehension and reinforce new vocabulary, and QR codes connect you to interactive online practice with flashcards and matching games. Available as ebook and paperback.
About German
Where German is spoken
German is an official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Belgium (in part), and is spoken by communities across Europe and worldwide.
How many people speak it
German has roughly 80–100 million native speakers and well over 100 million people who use it regularly as a second or foreign language, chiefly in Europe.
Grammar and structure
German is known for its three genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), four cases (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), and verb-second (V2) word order in main clauses. Compound nouns are frequent; separable verbs and modal verbs are core topics for learners at intermediate levels.
Best-rated German A2 graded readers
Ranked by average customer rating and number of reviews on our site. Every title below is a Pentecost graded reader: a simplified story at CEFR level with learning supports built in.
A daring wager, a ticking clock, and a detective hot on your heels across three continents – can you make it back in time? You'll absorb German naturally, building vocabulary that sticks effortlessly, all while lost in a gripping, real story. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow, keeping you immersed.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
Tumble down the rabbit hole into a world where logic is optional and a grinning cat holds all the secrets. Absorb hundreds of real-world German words and phrases effortlessly, building A2 vocabulary that truly sticks. A margin dictionary ensures you never break your reading flow.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
The game is afoot! Can you deduce the culprit before Sherlock Holmes reveals all? Master A2 German vocabulary and grammar, absorbing it naturally as you join Holmes on his thrilling cases. A built-in margin dictionary keeps you immersed, never breaking your deductive flow.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
Zegar tyka, a szalony zakład o fortunę pcha Phileasa Fogga w pościg dookoła świata, ściganego przez detektywa. Ucz się niemieckiego naturalnie, śledząc losy bohaterów i chłonąc setki realnych słów bez podręcznika.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
Wiktoriański Londyn skrywa mroczne sekrety, a genialny Sherlock Holmes potrzebuje Twojej pomocy, by rozwikłać najbardziej zagadkowe zbrodnie. Pochłaniaj niemiecki A2 bez wysiłku, wciągnięty w świat dedukcji i tajemnic, z wbudowanymi słowniczkami, które ułatwią naukę.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
What Our Readers Say
Our readers love these books — and it shows! 65 people have rated our German A2 graded readers an average of 5.00 out of 5. With built-in dictionaries, chapter exercises, and interactive online practice, each book is a complete language-learning toolkit that readers keep coming back to.
Our German A2 graded readers collection includes titles such as Alice im Wunderland, Reise um die Erde in 80 Tagen and Die Abenteuer des Sherlock Holmes . Every book comes with a dictionary beside the text (in the margin in print, a pop-up in EPUB), chapter exercises, and interactive online games.
★★★★★
"Sometimes I reread a paragraph because I want to, not because I was beaten by every sentence."
★★★★★
"Nach A1 der nächste sinnvolle Schritt: Tiefe in der Sprache, nicht „schwierigere Themen“."
★★★★★
"I review the previous chapter glossary before starting a new one - lists are well scoped."
★★★★★
"Chapter glossary: look up, then keep reading. Less living inside a translator app."
★★★★★
"Back to German after years away. The reader met my real level, not my wishful one."
★★★★★
"Fewer glossary lookups within the same unit after several chapters. Small signal."
Find the Right Level
Not sure if A2 is the right level for you? Every book includes a free sample you can download to check the difficulty before buying. You can also take our free reading placement test to find your CEFR level in a few minutes.
Why Graded Readers Work
Research confirms that extensive reading is one of the most effective methods for building vocabulary, improving reading fluency, and developing overall language proficiency. Graded readers make this approach accessible by matching text difficulty to your CEFR level, so you stay in the optimal learning zone. Learn more about the science behind our approach on the Pentecost Method page.
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