German short stories – Learning German through English
Aesop’s Fables – Die Schwalbe und der Rabe
Once upon a time, there was a great forest where the birds lived. The forest was the home for the black raven. The raven, as we know, has dark black feathers. It’s feathers are thick and strong. It keeps the raven warm in the night and all throughout the winter.
TranslateEs war einmal ein großer Wald, in dem die Vögel lebten. Der Wald war die Heimat des schwarzen Raben. Der Rabe, wie wir wissen, hat dunkle schwarze Federnn. Seine Federn sind dick und stark. Es hält den Raben in der Nacht und den ganzen Winter über warm.
The swallow, on the other hand, has beautiful, gorgeous feathers. The feathers are a rich in colour and texture. However the feathers are thin and weak.
One day the Swallow saw the raven and thought, “Haha. Look at his feathers. They are so black and dirty looking. I must make fun of him.”
TranslateDie Schwalbe hingegen hat wunderschöne, prächtige Federn. Die Federn sind reich an Farbe und Textur. Allerdings sind die Federn dünn und schwach.
Eines Tages sah die Schwalbe den Raben und dachte: „Haha. Schau dir seine Federn an. Sie sehen so schwarz und schmutzig aus. Ich muss mich über ihn lustig machen. “
The swallow hopped near the Crow and said, “Just look at my fathers, you black crow. Look at how gorgeous and luxurious my feathers are! My feathers are so beautiful while yours are so ugly. They are plain black in colour.”
TranslateDie Schwalbe hüpfte in die Nähe der Raben und sagte: „Schau dir nur meine Federn an, du schwarze Rabe. Schau dir an, wie wunderschön und luxuriös meine Federn sind! Meine Federn sind so schön, während deine so hässlich sind. Sie sind einfarbig schwarz. “
The Crow did not reply. It ignored the Swallow and pecked the ground, searching for food.
The Swallow taunted him again, “Why don’t you take some of the beautiful feathers and stick them into your wings and tail. At least then, you will look pretty. Show some pride. You look so ugly.”
TranslateDer Rabe antwortete nicht. Er ignorierte die Schwalbe und pickte auf den Boden, um nach Nahrung zu suchen.
Die Schwalbe verspottete ihn erneut. “Warum nimmst du nicht einige der schönen Federn und steckst sie in deine Flügel und deinen Schwanz? Dann siehst du wenigstens hübsch aus. Zeig etwas Stolz. Du siehst so hässlich aus. “
The Crow looked at the Swallow and smiled, “It seems you are too proud. Let me tell you a secret. Your bright feathers may look beautiful in Spring and Summer. In Winter, they are useless. You cannot fly outside and search for food when it snows or rains.”
TranslateDer Rabe sah die Schwalbe an und lächelte. „Es scheint, dass Sie zu stolz sind. Lass mich dir ein Geheimnis verraten. Deine hellen Federn mögen im Frühling und Sommer schön aussehen. Im Winter sind sie nutzlos. Du kannst nicht nach draußen fliegen und nach Nahrung suchen, wenn es schneit oder regnet. “
“My dark black feathers are strong and powerful. They keep me warm in Winter. I don’t see you around in Winter. You sleep for 5 months a year while I enjoy myself 12 months a year. Now tell me, why would I want your feathers?”
Translate“Meine dunkelschwarzen Federn sind stark und kraftvoll. Sie halten mich im Winter warm. Ich sehe dich im Winter nicht. Du schläfst 5 Monate im Jahr, während ich mich 12 Monate im Jahr amüsiere. Jetzt sag mir, warum sollte ich deine Federn wollen?”
Moral: “Friends in fine weather only, are not worth much.”
Translate Moral: “Freunde nur bei schönem Wetter sind nicht viel wert.”
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About: Studying through Dual Language immersion is among the best techniques for learning a new language. The objective of this website is to teach yourself how to read and speak German confidently using English as a base 🙂 These German short stories are super cool to read for beginners and also for entertaining children. Aesop’s Fables are among the best stories that can be studied on a daily basis.
About the Editor
The author of this German dual language short story is a C1 Goethe certified German language expert. He has over 5 years’ experience in teaching German and over 8 years learning.
He has conducted over 1000 plus hours of classes to over 300 students. In simple words (his words as well as his student’s words), he is AWESOME!!! He can be reached out to at deindeutschlehrer24@gmail.com
He also provides German Language courses for A1, A2 and B1 levels. Below are the details for the same:
Fees for A1, A2 and B1 levels are 120€,140€ and 160€ respectively.
