Reading Competition of the German Book Trade

The nationwide reading competition of the German Book Trade, under the patronage of the Federal President, annually encourages around 600,000 sixth graders to demonstrate their reading skills and deepen their enthusiasm for books. The competition is organized by the Foundation for Book Culture and Reading Promotion of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, which is dedicated to fostering reading competence and motivation among children and adolescents. Designed as an award, the competition supports educational institutions across Germany in implementing a multi-stage program that progresses from class and school rounds to the grand finale. The focus is on text comprehension and individual reading competence, which are expertly assessed by local jurors.

Interested participants only need to be students in the 6th grade at general education schools to take part in the regionally structured decision rounds: class and school rounds take place in October and November, district rounds in February, regional rounds in March and April, state rounds in May, and the nationwide final in June. The jury primarily evaluates reading competence and text comprehension, highlighting special talents in language use and expression. This multi-stage process motivates young readers to continuously develop their skills and experience literary diversity. The award not only offers recognition but also provides creative impulses for a lifelong passion for reading.