Lesen
/ˈleːzn̩/neuter
In German, the English word "reading" is translated as Lesen.
Lesen refers to the process of interpreting written language. In colloquial spoken German, you may also see the construction am Lesen used to express the progressive or continuous aspect of reading.
Meaning: process of interpreting written language (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun, Lesen is a neuter noun and must be capitalized. The verbal form, meaning "to read", is written as lesen in lowercase. In colloquial speech, the progressive aspect is often formed by using am followed by the capitalized infinitive, such as am Lesen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːzn̩/
Did you know?
- Because it stems from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'gathering', lesen is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'lease'.
- A Leselust describes the specific desire or passion for reading. English has no single word to capture this particular craving for a book.
- In German, the word Leselicht describes a small lamp used specifically for reading in bed. Germans often use specific compound nouns for these niche household items that English describes with phrases.
Examples in context
- Hör auf zu lesen.Stop reading.This sentence uses Lesen to command someone to stop the activity.Tatoeba #6644780 by Felixjp, translation #1738962 by CK
- Ich war am Lesen.I was reading.This sentence uses Lesen to describe a past continuous action.Tatoeba #8227538 by MisterTrouser, translation #4936107 by CarpeLanam
- Du bist am Lesen.You are reading.This sentence uses Lesen to describe a current continuous action.Tatoeba #8876238 by wolfgangth, translation #6137187 by Sethlang
- Das Lesen ist eine wichtige FähigkeitReading is an important skill
- Am Wochenende schmökere ich gerne in BüchernOn weekends, I enjoy leisurely reading books
- Lesen ist meine Leidenschaft, ich vernasche Bücher regelrechtReading is my passion, I indulge in books
- Ich lese gern Romane in meiner Freizeit.I enjoy reading novels in my free time.
- Lesen von Fachartikeln hilft mir bei meiner Forschungsarbeit.Reading academic articles helps me with my research work.
- Am Strand verschlinge ich gerne Bücher.At the beach, I love devouring books.
- 371 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing their favorite hobbies.
- JulianWas machst du gerne in deiner Freizeit?What do you like to do in your free time?
- LauraIch liebe das Lesen von Krimis.I love reading crime novels.
- JulianDas Lesen ist wirklich sehr entspannend.Reading is really very relaxing.
- LauraJa, das finde ich auch, Julian.Yes, I think so too, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reading” translations and entries Lesen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry lesen.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lesen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
