reader / reading book
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reader
A schoolbook that contains a collection of texts such as stories, poems, and nonfiction texts and is used to teach and practice reading.
In meinem alten Lesebuch aus der Grundschule standen die schönsten Geschichten.
My old reader from elementary school had the most beautiful stories in it.
anthology
A collection of selected texts by one or more authors, put together as an anthology for reading and for entertainment or information.
Der Verlag hat ein Lesebuch mit den besten Kurzgeschichten des Autors herausgegeben.
The publisher released an anthology with the author's best short stories.
'Lesebuch' (reader/reading book) is a compound noun made from the verb 'lesen' (to read) and the noun 'Buch' (book). The 'e' in between is a linking element. So it is literally a 'book for reading.'
Dieses Lesebuch enthält viele klassische deutsche Gedichte.
This reader contains many classic German poems.
You can recognize the meaning 'schoolbook' from the context. Words like 'Schule' (school), 'Unterricht' (class/lesson), 'Klasse' (class/grade), or 'Schüler' (students) clearly point to this usage.
Die Schüler sollen die nächste Geschichte im Lesebuch für morgen vorbereiten.
The students should prepare the next story in the reader for tomorrow.
In a school context, people often say that a story 'im Lesebuch steht' (is in the reader) or that you should complete an assignment 'aus dem Lesebuch' (from the reader).
Die Fabel vom Löwen und der Maus steht auf Seite 40 im Lesebuch.
The fable of the lion and the mouse is on page 40 in the reader.
In the meaning 'collection of texts,' 'Lesebuch' (anthology/reader) is often connected with a specific author or topic. Typical verbs here are 'herausgeben' (to publish) or 'zusammenstellen' (to compile).
Der Verlag hat ein Brecht-Lesebuch mit seinen wichtigsten Stücken zusammengestellt.
The publisher compiled a Brecht anthology with his most important plays.
edited volume / anthology
Both words can refer to a collection of different texts in one book. Sammelband emphasizes the compilation of independent contributions, while Lesebuch places greater emphasis on a selection intended for reading, information, or entertainment. For a specialized volume on a particular topic, Sammelband is the appropriate term; for a selection of reading material, use Lesebuch.
Das Lesebuch bietet ausgewählte Geschichten und Gedichte zum Lesen.
The reader offers selected stories and poems to read.
Der Sammelband vereint eigenständige Beiträge verschiedener Autoren zur Stadtgeschichte.
The edited volume brings together independent contributions by different authors on the history of the city.
