Onleihe: The digital library

Onleihe-GIF © Goethe-Institut

The Onleihe is Goethe-Institut’s digital library (eLibrary). You can download about 20,000 German-language eBooks, audio books, materials for German language learners, magazines and newspapers, and watch films online.

to Onleihe

Anywhere, anytime, free of charge

Borrow media - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Can be used on PC and laptop or mobile via the Onleihe app (Android and iOS)
No library membership required
Loan period between 1 hour and 3 weeks (depending on the medium)

The Digital library

You can download about 20,000 German-language eBooks, audio books, materials for German language learners, magazines and newspapers, and watch films online.

browse the Onleihe

Four easy steps to get started

Step 1: Registration

Get a free "Mein Goethe.de" account, if you do not have one yet.

© Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut
Step 2: Activation

Activate your account in "Onleihe" by clicking on "Log in".

© Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut
Step 3: Download Mobile App Now

Download on your mobile app store or use it on your browser.

© Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut
Step 4: The adventure begins

In the Onleihe app, make sure to choose "Goethe-Institut" as your library and sign in.

© Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

This is how the Onleihe works

Goethe-Institut

Onleihe

Logo der Onleihe

Would you like to read German-language e-books and newspapers, listen to audio books, watch films online or search for materials for learners of German? Install the Onleihe app on your smartphone.

Download now

Onleihe help and support

In Onleihe Help, you'll find step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, and FAQs.

Onleihe-Support

Borrowing with e-readers

For information on using the Onleihe on e-readers, please consult the Onleihe help pages:

Onleihe Help: E-Reader Use

Adobe-ID

We recommend reading eBooks, eMagazines and ePapers with the internal reader of the Onleihe app! If you want to read eBooks, eMagazines and ePaper with an external reader app (such as Aldiko, BlueFire or PocketBook), you will need an Adobe ID. The first time you download a medium, you must enter your Adobe ID once. If you do not yet have an Adobe ID, you can get one free of charge. You do not need to enter your Adobe ID for all further media downloads.

Create Adobe ID

If you have difficulties with the activation or with the use, please contact us via our support form. We will be happy to help you! We hope you enjoy browsing through our digital media offering.

Contact support