The School of Life
Philosophy for everyday life — and the most complete School of Life range in the German-speaking world.
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The School of Life is not a normal brand. Founded in London in 2008 by Alain de Botton — philosopher, bestselling author, and one of the most widely read thinkers of our time — it was built on a single, radical conviction: that psychology, philosophy, and art can genuinely help us live better, if applied as practical tools rather than academic theory. The result: card sets, books, and games that make possible conversations that would otherwise never happen. At Charles & Marie, you'll find the most complete School of Life range in the German-speaking world — including the German-language editions, for which we are the exclusive distributor.
What makes The School of Life different
Most self-help guides tell you how life should work. The School of Life takes a different approach: they ask the questions you need to ask yourself. Every product is a tool for self-knowledge, genuine conversation, and emotional intelligence — developed from insights across psychology, psychotherapy, philosophy, art, and culture. The goal is not to tell you what to do. The goal is to help you see more clearly who you are and what you need.
Today, The School of Life is active in more than 13 cities worldwide — from London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam to São Paulo, Seoul, and Sydney. More than 500 films, dozens of books, an app, podcasts, workshops, and therapeutic services: the reach is enormous. But the heart of the programme — the card sets — remains what it always was: an object for the table that sparks the best conversations of the evening.
The German card sets — exclusively at Charles & Marie
Charles & Marie is the exclusive distributor of the German-language card sets — the only direct source for the German editions in the German-speaking market. This means: direct sourcing from the manufacturer, immediate availability, and shipping from Germany.
The most popular German card sets include: 100 FRAGEN Original (100 Questions) — 100 question cards in a gift box for meaningful conversations in groups, at dinner, and on journeys. BIN ICH NORMAL? (Am I Normal?) — 52 cards with honest, often surprising answers to the question of how strange we really are. ERKENNE DICH SELBST (Know Yourself) — 60 cards for better self-knowledge, with exercises on the front and psychological background on the reverse. WELCHER PARTNER PASST ZU MIR? (What Partner Suits Me?) — a card set for realistic expectations in choosing a partner. SELBSTVERTRAUEN (Confidence) — 60 cards for building self-confidence and overcoming shyness. RUHE (Calm) — 60 cards for more equanimity in everyday life. BLEIBEN ODER GEHEN? (Stay or Go?) — for anyone wondering whether a relationship still has a future. DAS GESTÄNDNISSPIEL (The Confessions Game) — a card and dice game for daringly honest conversations among adults.
The English editions — also at Charles & Marie
For those who prefer to play, discuss, or gift in English: the complete English collection is also available from us. KNOW YOURSELF, CONFIDENCE, PILLOW TALK, EMOTIONAL FIRST AID KIT, UNTRANSLATABLE WORDS, SMALL PLEASURES, CARDS FOR PERSPECTIVE, DATING CARDS, THE MARRIAGE BOX, TEAMWORK, WISDOM OF NATURE, CONFESSIONS GAME — and many more. Plus the full book range as well as notebooks and accessories. 125 products in total.
As a gift — the most thoughtful thing you can give
The School of Life is among the most frequently recommended gift brands, because their products do something most gifts don't: they trigger something. A card set on the table changes the evening. A book with the right title at the right moment can change more. The packaging is considered, the format is compact — a card set fits in any bag and on any gift shelf. For friends, partners, colleagues, parents: there are very few people for whom a School of Life product would not be exactly right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is The School of Life?
The School of Life is an institution for emotional intelligence and practical philosophy, founded in London in 2008 by Alain de Botton. It develops books, card sets, games, films, podcasts, an app, and therapeutic services — all with the aim of helping people think more clearly, communicate better, and live more fulfilling lives. Today, The School of Life is active in more than 13 cities worldwide.
Where can I buy the German-language School of Life card sets?
Charles & Marie is the exclusive distributor of the German-language card sets for the German-speaking market — and therefore the only direct source for the German editions. Anyone wishing to buy the German editions has to come to us: whether directly in our shop or on Amazon, where we are also the seller.
Who are the card sets for?
The School of Life card sets are designed for adults and suit a wide range of situations: games evenings, dinner parties, conversations between partners, long train journeys, or quiet evenings for two. Some sets also work well in team or professional contexts. As gifts, they work for almost any occasion and almost anyone from around age 16 upwards.
What makes "100 Questions Original" different from other card games?
"100 Questions Original" contains 100 carefully selected questions across six categories — family, friends, love, work, dreams, and self-reflection. The questions are crafted to demand real answers — not small-talk answers, but answers that surprise even the person giving them. The card set comes in a high-quality gift box (15 x 11.5 x 5 cm) and is ready to use immediately.
What is the thinking behind "Am I Normal?"?
"Am I Normal?" works with the principle of normalisation: many thoughts, feelings, and behaviours we feel ashamed of or consider strange are far more common than we imagine. The set helps to voice these thoughts and put them in perspective — in a playful but honest way. The effect: after playing, most people feel considerably more at ease with what they thought were their own peculiarities.
Are School of Life products suitable as corporate gifts?
Yes — particularly the card sets and books are very popular as corporate gifts. They are substantive without being personally intrusive, and signal that real thought has gone into the choice. The School of Life itself also offers workshops and corporate programmes. For larger orders, please contact us directly at orders@charlesandmarie.com or +49 6174 203045.
Are English editions also available at Charles & Marie?
Yes — we carry both German and English editions of the card sets, plus the full book range as well as notebooks, accessories, and further products. 125 School of Life products in total — the most comprehensive selection in the German-speaking world.
What is Alain de Botton's connection to The School of Life?
Alain de Botton is the co-founder and intellectual figurehead of The School of Life. The British-Swiss philosopher and bestselling author — known for works such as "How Proust Can Change Your Life", "Status Anxiety", and "Religion for Atheists" — co-founded The School of Life in 2008 in London together with Sophie Howarth. His conviction: philosophy and psychology are too important to be left to academics. The School of Life is the attempt to make them accessible to everyone.
The School of Life — 125 products for clearer thinking, better conversations, and a more fulfilling life. German and English editions, available immediately. Charles & Marie is the exclusive distributor of the German-language card sets for the German-speaking market.
