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.
'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.
textbook
'das Lehrbuch' and 'das Lesebuch' can both be books used in class. The difference lies in their purpose. A 'Lehrbuch' explains a subject systematically and guides learners through a topic. A 'Lesebuch' mainly contains texts for reading, for example stories, poems, or nonfiction texts. The words can be confused because both can be schoolbooks. When knowledge is explained and practiced, 'Lehrbuch' fits. When reading texts is the main focus, 'Lesebuch' fits.
Die Kinder lesen im Lesebuch eine kurze Geschichte über den Sommer.
The children read a short story about summer in the reader.
Im Lehrbuch steht zuerst die Regel, danach kommen die Übungen.
In the textbook, the rule comes first, then the exercises.