Reading remains one of the most popular leisure activities in this country, but competition from digital media continues to increase.
BERLIN, April 24 (Xinhua) — As artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms reshape reading habits, German bookstores are adapting by offering curated experiences and building communities to stay relevant.
Reading remains one of the most popular leisure activities in this country, but competition from digital media continues to increase. Brick-and-mortar bookstores are responding by combining retail with cultural events and personalized service, said Thomas Koch, a spokesperson for the German Publishers and Booksellers Association.
late night bookstore
Opened in 1997, Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, Berlin’s largest bookstore, is designed as a cultural space rather than a traditional bookstore.
Bringing together books, music, movies, stationery, souvenirs and cultural events, it attracts visitors to a wide range of cultural experiences.
“Our English Bookshop is the largest English-speaking bookstore in Europe outside the UK,” says Andrea Rudolph, Managing Director of Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus. “The sheet music corner and the Sphinx sculpture make it a must-see for first-time visitors.”
The store hosts more than 300 events and readings each year, ranging from readings to discussions on social and cultural topics.
Famously, in November 2024, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a signing session for her newly published memoir at the Duesman das Kultur Kaufhaus.
Asked why he chose Dasmann, Chancellor Rudolf said: “Chancellor Angela Merkel has known for many years that we are one of the best bookstores and cultural destinations in the world.”
It is recognized as a cultural institution and is open until late at night, welcoming visitors after theatrical and operatic performances. “Many guests come in the evening to enjoy the quiet atmosphere,” Rudolph said.
The store features approximately 1 million products in approximately 7,500 square meters of retail space, and approximately 15 million products are listed on its online platform.
In 2024, the store recorded revenues of €45 million (US$52 million), its best financial year to date.
Niche stores build community
Small bookstores are also finding ways to compete by focusing on specialty and community.
Science fiction bookstore Otherland, located near the former Tempelhof Airport, has around 11,000 books specializing in science fiction, fantasy and horror in German and English in less than 100 square meters.
“Otherland is independent on every level. We decide which books are on the shelves,” said Wolfgang Torres, one of the three owners.
Our staff reads a variety of information and provides customized recommendations based on your interests.
“Everyone who works here loves this genre…We’re very passionate about this genre,” Torres said.
The bookstore has built a loyal community called “Otherlanders” and hosts events like readings and role-playing games. In 2025, they held 52 events, all free of charge, which was financially difficult for Torres and his co-owners.
“Our community is really what keeps us alive,” Torres said. “They appreciate what we’re doing and want to be a part of it.”
Read the changing trends
Koch said readership in Germany has remained roughly stable in recent years, although overall purchase numbers have declined. However, young readers are an exception.
According to industry data, book purchases among 16- to 19-year-olds will increase by 9.6% in 2024, and by 7.7% among 20- to 29-year-olds.
Social media is playing an increasingly important role. In 2025, more than 50 million books recommended by TikTok’s #BookTok community were sold across Europe, generating approximately €800 million ($936 million) in revenue, according to NielsenIQ BookData and Media Control.
Germany accounted for the largest share, with over 28 million books recommended on TikTok sold. In comparison, 12 million books were sold in 2023.
#BookTok has sparked a reading renaissance among young readers, but traditional bookstores face challenges and disruption from the AI boom.
“AI is an important topic for the book industry, and our members are closely involved,” Koch said. He added that while it would improve efficiency, it also raises questions about transparency, usage rights and accountability.
He called on policymakers to enforce fair rules for big tech companies so that AI benefits people and society.
“Torres said AI is already impacting how stories are created and consumed, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
However, he believes that changes in technology tend to stabilize over time. “The key question is whether we can survive this wave of AI-generated content,” he says. “People will continue to want authentic stories from real people.” ■
