Adventskalender Mit Büchern Für Erwachsene

The Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene, or "Advent Calendar with Books for Adults," has become increasingly popular in Germany as a unique and engaging alternative to traditional chocolate-filled calendars. This article provides practical information about these calendars, including what they are, where to find them, what to expect, and how to choose the right one.

What is an Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene?

An Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene is essentially a collection of 24 books, either small extracts, short stories, or divided chapters of a larger novel, designed to be opened and read each day from December 1st to December 24th, leading up to Christmas Eve. They offer a literary escape during the busy holiday season and provide a moment of calm and relaxation. Unlike typical advent calendars filled with sweets or small trinkets, these calendars offer a more enriching and engaging experience.

Types of Book Advent Calendars

These calendars come in various formats to suit different preferences:

Anthology Calendars: These feature 24 separate short stories or excerpts from various authors, often around a specific theme like Christmas, winter, or mystery. They are a great way to discover new authors and genres.
Novel-in-Chapters Calendars: These present a full-length novel divided into 24 parts, with each installment designed to be read each day. This format offers a more immersive reading experience.
Genre-Specific Calendars: These calendars cater to specific interests, such as crime fiction, romance, historical novels, or fantasy. They are ideal for readers who know exactly what they enjoy.
Activity-Based Calendars: Some calendars combine short stories with prompts or activities related to writing, journaling, or creative thinking. These are a good choice for those who want a more interactive experience.
Non-Fiction Calendars: Whilst not as common, there are non-fiction advent calendars focusing on a particular topic. These often present snippets of information or essays each day, related to history, science or art, for example.

Where to Buy Them

You can find Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene at various locations throughout Germany and online:

Bookstores (Buchhandlungen): Local bookstores, such as Thalia, Hugendubel, and independent shops, often carry a selection of book advent calendars. This is an excellent way to browse the selection in person and get recommendations from booksellers.
Department Stores (Kaufhäuser): Larger department stores like Kaufhof or Karstadt often have a book section that includes advent calendars during the holiday season.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon.de, Buecher.de, and Weltbild.de offer a vast selection of calendars, often with detailed descriptions and customer reviews.
Specialty Shops: Some specialty shops, such as those focusing on stationery or gifts, may also carry book advent calendars.

It is advisable to start looking for these calendars in October or November, as popular ones tend to sell out quickly. Online retailers often have pre-order options, allowing you to secure your desired calendar in advance.

What to Expect Inside

The content of an Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene can vary significantly depending on the type and publisher. However, here are some general expectations:

24 Individual Books or Sections: The calendar will contain 24 separately packaged books, excerpts, or chapters, each marked with a corresponding date (1-24).
Genre and Theme: The books will typically share a common genre or theme, such as Christmas stories, crime fiction, or historical romances. This ensures a cohesive reading experience throughout the Advent season.
Varying Length: The length of each daily reading can vary, ranging from a few pages to a short story. This allows for flexibility in reading time.
German Language: As these calendars are primarily sold in Germany, the books will almost always be in German. This makes it an excellent opportunity for language learners to immerse themselves in German literature.
Quality of Printing: In general, the printing quality is high. The books are usually well-bound, if applicable, and made from decent quality paper.
The overall format: Some calendars are presented as a single large book with perforated pages to tear out, while others consist of 24 individually wrapped books.

How to Choose the Right Calendar

Selecting the right Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene depends on your personal preferences and reading habits. Consider the following factors:

Genre Preference: Choose a calendar that features genres you enjoy reading. If you love crime fiction, look for a calendar with mystery stories. If you prefer romance, opt for a calendar with romantic novels.
Reading Level: Consider your German language proficiency. If you are a beginner, look for calendars with simpler language and shorter stories. If you are more advanced, you can choose calendars with more complex narratives.
Author Familiarity: Some calendars feature well-known authors, while others introduce you to new writers. Consider whether you prefer familiar authors or enjoy discovering new talent.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read online reviews and seek recommendations from friends or booksellers to get an idea of the calendar's quality and content.
Price Range: Book advent calendars can range in price from around 20 to 50 euros or more, depending on the content and packaging. Set a budget and look for calendars that fit your price range.
Physical format: Do you want one that looks like a traditional advent calendar with little doors to open, or would you prefer a boxed set?

Benefits of a Book Advent Calendar

Beyond the joy of reading, Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene offer several other benefits:

A Moment of Calm: The calendar encourages you to take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and enjoy a moment of quiet reading each day.
Discovering New Authors: Anthology calendars are a great way to discover new authors and genres you might not have encountered otherwise.
Improving German Language Skills: Reading in German can help improve your vocabulary, grammar, and overall language comprehension.
A Unique Gift: A book advent calendar makes a thoughtful and unique gift for book lovers.
Creates a Routine: Provides a daily ritual during the busy Advent season, adding structure and anticipation.

Example Calendars

To give you a better idea of what's available, here are a few examples of popular Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene:

"24 kurze Geschichten bis Weihnachten" (24 Short Stories until Christmas): A popular anthology calendar featuring a variety of Christmas-themed short stories from different authors.
"Krimi Adventskalender" (Crime Fiction Advent Calendar): A calendar for fans of crime novels, featuring excerpts from thrilling mysteries.
"Adventskalender für Leseratten" (Advent Calendar for Bookworms): A general anthology calendar with a mix of genres and authors.

These are just a few examples, and the selection available will vary each year. Be sure to check online retailers and local bookstores for the latest offerings.

Important Considerations

Before purchasing an Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene, keep these points in mind:

German Language Skills: Ensure that your German language skills are sufficient to enjoy the books. While some calendars may have simpler language, others can be quite challenging.
Allergies: Consider any allergies you may have, as some calendars may contain materials that could trigger a reaction.
Age Appropriateness: Ensure that the content is age-appropriate, especially if you are purchasing the calendar for a younger adult.
Return Policy: Check the retailer's return policy in case you are not satisfied with the calendar or if it arrives damaged.

Conclusion

An Adventskalender mit Büchern für Erwachsene is a wonderful way to celebrate the Advent season and indulge in the joy of reading. With a wide variety of options available, you can find the perfect calendar to suit your preferences and interests. Whether you're a seasoned German speaker or a language learner, a book advent calendar can provide a daily dose of literary pleasure and help you get into the holiday spirit. So, take your time to browse the selection, consider your preferences, and choose a calendar that will bring you 24 days of reading enjoyment.