Survey: E-Books Are Gaining Popularity in Germany - Frankfurt Book Fair 2021: Germans Embrace E-books as Most Read Title Remains Mystery
The Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest, kicked off on October 15, 2021. Despite the event's scale, details about the most read e-book remain elusive, with no information on its author or publisher. Meanwhile, e-book consumption in Germany continues to rise, with 23 percent of readers now preferring them over print.
Germans are increasingly embracing e-books, with 23 percent reading them predominantly or exclusively, up from 16 percent last year. Additionally, 51 percent read e-books occasionally, a significant increase from 40 percent in 2024. Even among older readers, e-book adoption is growing, with 34 percent of those aged 65 and over now reading them, up from 22 percent.
The Frankfurt Book Fair, which attracts over a thousand authors and exhibitors from 92 countries, provides a glimpse into these shifting reading habits. However, the identity of the most read e-book at the fair remains a mystery, with no information available about its author or publisher.
E-book readers in Germany spend an average of 11.10 euros per month on their digital reads. Notably, 54 percent of e-book readers also borrow them, spending an average of 7.40 euros per month on borrowing services. Meanwhile, 35 percent of Germans stick to printed books, indicating a balance between traditional and digital reading experiences.
The Frankfurt Book Fair highlights the growing popularity of e-books in Germany, with a significant increase in readership across all age groups. Despite the mystery surrounding the most read e-book at the fair, the event serves as a testament to the evolving literary landscape. As e-book consumption continues to rise, so does the diversity of reading experiences among German readers.
