Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel, Hamburg: Green Practices Through Bookselling

Architects Nicola Sigl and Claudia Kersten designed a 140‑sqm bookstore with a modern layout—featuring a central oval, towering shelves, and open walkways for a welcoming atmosphere

Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel in Hamburg

Located in the Sternstraße area, Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel is a bookstore run by founders John Cohen and Daniela Dobernigg. Alongside their dedicated staff, they have shaped the store into a supplier and advocate for the spread of literary works both locally and throughout Hamburg.

The store’s name originates from a collaboration between the two owners—a suggestion made by a friend. “Naming the store was an arduous affair. We wanted to stand out with both our name and our offerings. Our friend suggested we use our own names,” they recall. They chose “Cohen + Dobernigg” specifically to prevent any misinterpretation of their identity. Over time, customers shortened the name to “Co + Do Buch,” a nickname so popular that their online presence now reflects this simpler form for ease of search.

Background of the Founders: Daniela Dobernigg and John Cohen

Daniela Dobernigg began her career in bookselling at the age of seventeen. Born in Austria near the Slovenian border, she entered the field after finishing secondary school. “She started with an internship at a bilingual bookstore in Villach and then worked at various bookstores across Austria,” recalls John. By now, Daniela has amassed extensive experience, including a managerial role at a bookstore chain.

John Cohen’s journey also began with an early introduction to bookselling. After high school, he apprenticed at a bookstore in his hometown of Frankfurt. He later moved to Hamburg at twenty-one to study economics but left university after four weeks when he encountered a newspaper ad from an international book supplier seeking an English-speaking bookseller.

John began working with the company the next day, managing sales for books and various reading materials from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “The supplier helped local bookshops across Germany. I learned the ins and outs of managing a bookstore from the owners, who remain friends with me to this day,” he says.

The Inception of Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel

John has pursued various studies and worked in cultural studies for several years before ultimately leaving to focus on his passion for bookselling. During his studies, he worked for a software company that specialized in inventory management for bookstores. This role took him across Europe, eventually leading him to Austria, where he met Daniela. “This job led me to Daniela. Together, we started Cohen + Dobernigg as it exists today. We even started a family along the way,” John shares.

His travels across Europe and exposure to various bookstores reinforced his desire to create a bookstore like Cohen + Dobernigg—one that stands apart. “There were few bookstores appealing to the general public or to me personally. Most operated with outdated methods, ethos, and missions. I wanted to bring change and revitalize the reading culture on the periphery,” he explains.

John crafted a customer-focused blueprint for the bookstore. His decision to remain in Hamburg and situate the bookstore in the Sternstraße area was influenced by his familiarity with the neighborhood, which is known as an up-and-coming arts district populated by creatives, designers, musicians, artists, and restaurateurs. “The culture here celebrates socialism and equality. Across from our store is a Portuguese neighborhood home to a diverse community, though gentrification is impacting affordability for residents,” he notes.

Books Selection and Design at Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel

Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel is situated next to another bookstore, yet the proximity has not deterred customer flow. Adjacent to them is a tattoo studio, which they plan to acquire in the coming months.

The owners and their team personally curate the bookstore’s selection of books and reading materials. They carry a wide range of titles across many genres, focusing on more obscure, recondite works rather than just bestsellers. “We review catalogues from both established and independent publishers. This strategy allows us to stock general titles while meeting our customers’ specific interests. In turn, we support lesser-known publishers and authors,” John notes.

In addition to catalogues, Cohen + Dobernigg maintains relationships with publishers who visit twice a year to promote particular titles.

Designed by architects Nicola Sigl and Claudia Kersten, the store reflects a modern approach to reading in the twenty-first century. They transformed an unused space into an inviting bookstore spanning 140 square meters. The centerpiece is an oval shelving unit around which customers can navigate, leading them naturally to the cashier’s desk. Floor-to-ceiling shelves stock books, while ample open space allows visitors to browse freely. “The center features children’s books on the oval unit, fiction on one side, and various other genres on the other,” Cohen describes. Recently, a table was added for further convenience— the first major change since moving into the space nearly two decades ago.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel actively supports the community and promotes reading through partnerships with neighboring bookstores and hosting book reading events. They use “reading cards” to facilitate collaboration, encouraging customers to attend events at their store or partner locations. By collecting stamps for each event attended, customers can earn waived entry to future events.

Committed to sustainability, Cohen and Daniela incorporate eco-friendly practices into their daily operations. John has transitioned the store’s energy supply to renewable and clean sources and collaborates with suppliers to eliminate plastic packaging. “We don’t offer plastic bags. Over time, we realized paper bags aren’t sustainable either, so we provide returnable tote bags,” he explains. Customers can purchase a tote bag with a deposit, then return the bag later to reclaim their deposit.

Social responsibility is equally important. Employees receive living wages, and Cohen ensures that suppliers and business partners share this commitment.

During the lockdown period, the independent bookstore survived thanks to community support and effective delivery practices maintained by wholesalers and publishers. Cohen + Dobernigg Buchhandel continues to plan events for their customers and uphold its role as an agent of change in the community.