French · Intermediate
Adapted from The Tinderbox
A soldier finds a magical tinderbox that summons three powerful dogs.
Read and listen in French, with English alongside.
Sample free · Full edition included in a 3-day trial or membership. No card required for the trial.
Already have an account? Log in
Try the first scene with audio and English translations. No account needed.
Scene 1 · Intermediate
Un soldat marchait au pas sur la grand-route, sac au dos et sabre au côté. « Gauche, droite ; gauche, droite. » La guerre était terminée pour lui et il rentrait chez lui.
A soldier marched in step along the highway, a pack on his back and a sword at his side. “Left, right; left, right.” The war was over for him, and he was going home.
Il a rencontré une vieille sorcière dont l'aspect était effrayant : sa lèvre inférieure lui pendait jusqu'à la poitrine. Après l'avoir complimenté sur son sabre, son sac et son allure de soldat, elle lui a promis autant d'argent qu'il en souhaiterait.
He met an old witch with a frightening appearance: her lower lip hung down to her chest. After complimenting him on his sword, his pack, and his soldierly bearing, she promised him as much money as he could wish for.
Elle lui a désigné un grand arbre creux. En grimpant jusqu'en haut, il trouverait une ouverture par laquelle se laisser descendre profondément dans le tronc. Elle lui attacherait une corde autour du corps pour le hisser lorsqu'il l'appellerait.
She pointed out a large hollow tree. If he climbed to the top, he would find an opening through which he could lower himself deep down inside the trunk. She would tie a rope around his body and pull him up when he called to her.
A 3-day trial or membership unlocks the full story and its available reading levels. No card required for the trial.
Continue readingOpen the reader, then choose a level in Reading options. Find a version you can follow comfortably, and return to the same story at a higher level when you are ready.
Yes. In Reading options, you can show the English translation beside or below the story, or hide it.
Your account saves your reading and audio position. You need to be signed in with a working connection to save your progress.
Read this story during your three-day full library trial or with membership. No card is required to start the trial, and there are no automatic charges.