Reading is just for grandpas and grandmas? Not at all! Data from publishers and bookstores in Germany prove otherwise, though not all the news from the book world is positive.
The book industry of Germany is enjoying growing revenues. However, publishers and bookstores are also complaining about a slump in consumption and high costs. The German Publishers and Booksellers Association sees hope primarily in young readers.
Industry revenue increased by 2.8 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Association in Frankfurt. This sector generated a total revenue of 9.71 billion euros, up from 9.44 billion euros in 2022. This upward trend continued into the first half of 2024.
Social media sparks interest in books
“The book market is doing well overall in economically challenging times,” said Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. “While the older demographic was previously considered the book market’s reliable customer base, young readers are now driving the book business.” This is partly due to social media, where book recommendations through platforms like #BookTok are popular among young people.
However, not all news about young readers is positive. “While some young people are reading more, the number of those who do not engage with books because they cannot comprehend what they read is growing,” Schmidt-Friderichs noted. She emphasized that both politics and civil society must urgently work together to find strategies to address this issue.
Number of book buyers is decreasing
The boom in so-called young and new adult titles does not benefit all publishers and bookstores, stressed Peter Kraus vom Cleff, Managing Director of the Association. “Small, independent publishers with non-mainstream programs are particularly struggling economically.” The Association is also concerned about the disappearance of literary programs from public broadcasters.
Overall, fewer people are buying books. About 25 million German people purchased books in 2023, a 2.8% decrease from the previous year. However, the number of buyers at the age 10- to 15-year-olds increased by 3.9%.
E-books are stagnating, audiobooks are booming
The e-book market of Germany is stabilizing at a “stable but rather low level,” according to the Association. Audiobook sales, on the other hand, have seen significant growth – up 39.4% compared to 2019. Publishers are releasing fewer first editions: 64,278 new releases were published in 2022, dropping to 60,230 in 2023.
Reading habits of Germans
Germany has a long-standing literary tradition, and reading remains an integral part of the culture. According to recent studies, about 30% of Germans read books regularly, with a noticeable preference for paper books over digital ones. This preference for paper books is particularly strong among older generations, who value the tactile experience of reading a printed book.
Libraries play a crucial role in promoting reading habits among Germans. Public libraries are widely accessible and well-used, offering a diverse range of books and other media. Germany also has a strong tradition of book clubs and reading groups, where people gather to discuss literature, fostering a community around reading.
Young Germans are increasingly influenced by social media and digital platforms in their reading choices. Initiatives like #BookTok on TikTok have made reading trendy among teenagers and young adults, leading to a surge in popularity for certain genres like Young Adult and fantasy novels. Despite the rise of digital influences, many young readers still enjoy visiting bookstores and participating in literary events.
Education in Germany places a strong emphasis on reading from an early age. Schools encourage reading through various programs and activities, ensuring that children develop strong literacy skills. Book fairs and literary festivals, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, are major cultural events that attract visitors from around the world and highlight the importance of literature in German society.
While reading remains popular, there is an ongoing concern about declining literacy rates among some segments of the population, particularly due to the increasing digitalization of media consumption.
