paperback
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paperback
A book with a soft, flexible cardboard cover, usually smaller and cheaper than a hardcover edition.
Ich warte, bis der Roman als Taschenbuch erscheint, weil es günstiger ist.
I'm waiting until the novel comes out as a paperback because it's cheaper.
'Taschenbuch' (paperback) is a compound noun made from 'die Tasche' (bag/pocket) and 'das Buch' (book). It literally describes a book that is small and light enough to fit into a bag or pocket. The article 'das' comes from the base word 'Buch' (book).
Für die Reise nehme ich mir nur ein leichtes Taschenbuch mit.
For the trip, I'm only taking a light paperback with me.
Common verbs used with 'Taschenbuch' (paperback) are 'erscheinen' (to be published/appear) or 'herauskommen' (to come out). These describe the moment when a book becomes available in this cheaper version.
Der Bestseller ist jetzt endlich auch als Taschenbuch erschienen.
The bestseller has finally also come out as a paperback.
The word is often used in the context of buying and publishing to refer to the cheaper alternative to the more expensive first hardcover edition.
Viele Leser warten, bis ihr Lieblingsbuch als Taschenbuch herauskommt.
Many readers wait until their favorite book comes out as a paperback.
little book / booklet
'Taschenbuch' and 'Büchlein' can both refer to a rather small book with a soft cover. However, 'Taschenbuch' is a standard type of book: it has a flexible cardboard cover and is often cheaper than a hardcover book. 'Büchlein' mainly emphasizes that a book is small. It can be a small booklet, a guide, or a short story, and it often sounds a bit more personal or cute. There is a risk of confusion because many paperbacks are small. If you are talking about the edition or format, 'Taschenbuch' fits; if the size or simple little-book character is important, 'Büchlein' fits.
Für die Reise kauft er den Roman als Taschenbuch.
For the trip, he buys the novel as a paperback.
Zu Hause fand sie ein kleines Büchlein mit alten Rezepten.
At home, she found a little book with old recipes.