reading / reading material
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reading material
The reading material itself; a text, book, or article that is being read or is intended for reading.
Für den Urlaub habe ich mir eine leichte Lektüre eingepackt.
I packed some light reading material for my vacation.
Be careful: 'die Lektüre' does not mean 'lecture' (a class at a university). It means 'das Lesen' (reading) or 'der Lesestoff' (reading material). A university 'lecture' is called 'die Vorlesung' in German.
Als Lektüre für den Flug habe ich mir einen Krimi gekauft.
I bought a crime novel as reading material for the flight.
You can distinguish the two meanings by how the word is used: when 'Lektüre' refers to the material, it can have a plural and is often described with adjectives such as 'leichte' (light/easy) or 'spannende' (exciting). When it refers to the act of reading, it is always singular and often appears with prepositions such as 'bei der' (while/during) or 'nach der' (after).
Diese Zeitschrift ist eine unterhaltsame Lektüre für zwischendurch.
This magazine is an entertaining read for in between.
'Lektüre' (reading/reading material) is a rather formal or educated-language word. In everyday speech, people would often simply say 'das Buch' (the book) or 'das Lesen' (reading).
Der Professor empfahl uns eine interessante Lektüre zum Thema.
The professor recommended an interesting reading on the topic.
When 'Lektüre' refers to reading material, it is often specified more closely: 'leichte Lektüre' (light reading), 'schwere Lektüre' (difficult reading), or 'die Pflichtlektüre' (required reading, at university or in school).
Goethes „Faust“ ist in vielen deutschen Schulen Pflichtlektüre.
Goethe's 'Faust' is required reading in many German schools.
text
'der Text' and 'die Lektüre' both have to do with reading. 'Text' mainly means the written words themselves, for example an article, a message, or a section in a book. 'Lektüre' can mean reading material, but it often sounds a bit more general or school-related. In addition, 'Lektüre' can also mean the act of reading. Learners confuse the words because you can read a 'Text', and that text is then the 'Lektüre'. If you are talking about the content or the exact words, 'Text' is more natural. If you are talking about reading material or reading as an activity, 'Lektüre' fits better.
Für die Lektüre im Zug nimmt Mehmet einen kurzen Roman mit.
For reading on the train, Mehmet takes a short novel with him.
Vor dem Termin hat Sarah den Text noch einmal gelesen.
Before the appointment, Sarah read the text again.