The Wrong Greeting
The article critiques a book that contrasts German and Scandinavian cultures, provoking a combative response from readers with its portrayal of Germans as overly obedient and Scandinavians as free-spirited.
Weimer and Bookstore Prize: The Bookshelf: Dangerous Cell of Revolution
Wolfram Weimer, the German Minister of Culture, has controversially removed three bookstores from a prestigious award list after requesting a review from the domestic intelligence agency, stirring debate about censorship in the cultural sector.
Sebastian Guggolz: He gives Wolfram Weimer a good comeback
Sebastian Guggolz strongly criticized Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer at the Leipzig Book Fair, speaking against the involvement of the German constitution protection agency in literature.
At the Leipzig Book Fair: The Most Important Novels of Spring
The article discusses the ten most significant novels of Spring 2026, highlighting their diverse themes including the German reunification, the Carnation Revolution, and interpersonal relationships.
SZ in the Evening: News from March 19, 2026
The article reports on significant events, including rising gas prices due to conflict in the Middle East and a prominent award given to a German author.
Literature Archive Marbach: Just not like in Stuttgart
The German government allocates 44 million euros to support the construction of the German Literature Archive in Marbach, amidst criticism of recent funding cuts to other cultural institutions.
Judith Hermann: At the Table with the Ladle of Horror
Judith Hermann presents her new book, which explores her grandfather's history in the SS, while also criticizing the German cultural minister's interference with a literary prize jury.
Rarity: A tiny book by Kristjan Jaak Peterson has come to light from the German archive
A previously unknown small book of poems by Kristjan Jaak Peterson has been discovered in a German archive, challenging assumptions about the timeline of his literary work.
Rolf Dieter Brinkmann: Rampage Against the Whole World
The article discusses new writings from the late German author Rolf Dieter Brinkmann, characterized as a 'literary terrorist', and reflects on his difficult relationship with his mother.
Literature: Looking into the Nostrils of Adults
Katharina Grossmann-Hensel, a renowned German children's book author, shares her journey of storytelling and illustration inspired by her younger sister.
Literature: "I perceive it as a friendly gesture"
The article discusses the friendship between German director Alexander Kluge and American poet Ben Lerner, which began with Kluge’s admiration for Lerner's work and led to a collaborative publication.
Literature: The Formula for a Better Life
The article discusses Peggy Mädlers' novel 'Self-Regulation of the Heart,' which explores the intersection of East German life and cybernetics during the GDR era.
Literature: What Do We Have to Say to Each Other?
The article discusses the significance of debut novels in the German literary landscape, highlighting the emerging trends in young literature focusing on existential questions.
Espionage Pulp Novel: Hammer, Sickle, Scythe, Spy
Kristof Magnusson's novel explores the life of a successful German poet who becomes an amateur spy to escape his boredom with fame.
Kittihawk: No more needs to be known
The article discusses the Kittihawk concept in the context of German governance and societal views.
Typeface and the Time of Maturation [Critique]
The article discusses the historical and cultural significance of typefaces, particularly Fraktur, in German legal literature during the Nazi era, emphasizing how typography reflects societal values and knowledge dissemination.
Education: Learning to Read with Children's Comics
The article discusses the use of comics as an effective medium for teaching reading to children, highlighting the perspective of a German publisher who created a comic publishing house focused on children's literature.
14 Czech Authors and Creators to Present at Leipzig Book Fair
This year, 14 Czech authors will represent their literary works at the Leipzig Book Fair, showcasing the attention Czech literature is receiving in German-speaking countries.
Zlín's failure is his greatest success, says German writer Mirko Bonné
German writer Mirko Bonné reflects on the significance of Zlín's recent failure as a lesson and source of strength.
Goodbye, Patrick Bateman
A German author expresses sadness over the cancellation of his book tour due to budget cuts, lamenting the decline in young men's interest in reading novels.
Literature: Here Dances the Republic
This article explores the legacy of the German publisher Ernst Rowohlt on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of his publishing house, highlighting its historical significance in the literary landscape of Germany.
Current Lexicon: What is the German Bookstore Award?
The German Bookstore Award will be held for the eleventh time at the Leipzig Book Fair, recognizing about 100 independent bookstores in Germany.
Cancelled Bookstores: "Half the World is Asking What’s Going on Here"
The Berlin bookstore 'Zur schwankenden Weltkugel' was unexpectedly excluded from the list for a prestigious German book prize, raising questions and confusion among its owners and the public.
Writer Peter Schneider has died, he narrated divided Berlin
Peter Schneider, a prominent German writer and intellectual, passed away at the age of 85, having profoundly influenced the depiction of Berlin's history through literature.
On the Death of Peter Schneider: 'He Knew about His Many Friends'
Peter Schneider, a notable German writer, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with his friend Volker Schlöndorff, a renowned filmmaker.
World Success 'Lázár': Why Is It So Exceptionally Successful?
Nelio Biedermann's novel 'Lázár' has been a bestseller for six months, and plans for a film adaptation by Tom Tykwer are underway, prompting discussions about its significant impact on contemporary German literature and literary criticism.
A new Salon is coming out: David Klimeš on the aging of Czechia, German writer Mirko Bonné, and 'the best Czech stories'
The article discusses the upcoming issue of the Salon magazine featuring various topics including aging in Czechia and notable literary contributions.
Glasses in the Election Campaign: I See You, Trust Me
The article critiques the Munich municipal election campaign through a literary lens, using references to a contemporary German novel.
The End of the Journey for Christa Wolf
German writer Christa Wolf reflects on her life and legacy through her final work, 'August,' a gift to her husband commemorating their sixty years of marriage.
New Letter Volume on Annette Kolb: "Better Dead than Silent"
A new collection of correspondence reveals the fearless life of writer and pacifist Annette Kolb, who championed Franco-German friendship during World War I.
In the German workshop of Fernando Aramburu: "The victims will have a home in my literature"
Fernando Aramburu discusses his creative process and new novel while reflecting on his Basque roots and literary intentions in his Hannover studio.
UNESCO Cities of Literature representatives from Bremen and Heidelberg visit Tartu
Representatives from the UNESCO Cities of Literature, Bremen and Heidelberg, are meeting in Tartu for a residency program involving German and Estonian writers.
At 54, Chilean writer Germán Carrasco has died
Chilean poet Germán Carrasco has died at the age of 54, prompting grief in Chile and Argentina.
Two Books about the German 'Soul': The Measurement of the Republic
The article discusses two recent books that explore the German character through a narrative approach, examining the thoughts, feelings, and hopes of the German people amid current turbulent times.
Crime Scene from Saarland: "Are you happy?"
The German crime series "Tatort" explores deep-rooted animosities within a rural community in Saarland, referencing themes found in works by Grimm and Shakespeare.
German in School: When Nathan the Wise No Longer Believes in Students
The article discusses the trend among high school teachers in Berlin to use simplified versions of classic literature, such as Lessing's 'Nathan the Wise,' to engage students with key texts in German literature while highlighting what they miss when not exposed to the originals.
The German Middle-earth lies between Kassel, Hildesheim, and Paderborn
The article highlights the significance of Hans-Jürgen von der Wense, suggesting that reading his work can transform one's perspective on the largely undiscovered region between Kassel, Hildesheim, and Paderborn.
Youth Language: Is ‘Unc’ the New ‘Boomer’?
A prominent German literary critic recently described the language in a novel by a relatively young author as 'ancient and uncle-like', sparking discussions about generational language shifts in the context of terms like 'Unc' and 'Boomer'.
Berlin High School Students Are Increasingly Reading Classics in Simplified Language
Berlin high school students are increasingly reading simplified versions of classics in German classes, raising questions about support for struggling readers versus a capitulation to complex works by Goethe and Schiller.
Less Goethe for Easier Access? Debate on Simplified Literature in Berlin High Schools
Berlin high schools are increasingly using simplified versions of classic literature in German classes, sparking a debate on educational standards versus accessibility for struggling readers.
Berlin Surrenders to Goethe
Berlin's high schools are increasingly opting for simplified versions of classic literature in German classes, as the original texts are deemed too challenging for students, despite their intrinsic value.
Cult Author with a Weakness for Mussolini
The article discusses the impact of anniversaries on the book market in German-speaking areas, highlighting how new titles about notable figures often surge in popularity during such commemorations, notably mentioning Thomas Mann.
"I knew very early on what could only be spoken about at home"
Russian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Irina Scherbakova, now living in exile in Germany since 2022, reflects on how reading helped her through dark Soviet times and shares her childhood experiences with German literature.
Global Market Leader in Books on Stages - But Not for Long
German cities have had literary houses for 40 years, but they are facing a crisis despite being integral to cultural life.
The Most Intimate Delibes, Through the Eyes of His Grandson Germán
In his book 'El abuelo Delibes', Germán Delibes shares his personal experiences and memories of life with his grandfather, capturing the essence of their family bond.
Tales by Gerda Blees: The Warning from the Coffee Cup
Gerda Blees's early stories, known for their intense portraits, are now available in German, featuring themes of desperation and unexpected moments.
The Musician Thomas Mann
This article reflects on the life of German writer Thomas Mann, who celebrated his 150th birthday, emphasizing the significant role music played in his literature and life.
Johann P. Tammen passed away: With a Sense for the Genius
Johann P. Tammen, a prominent figure in German literary life and editor of the magazine 'die horen' for over forty years, has passed away at the age of 81.
Many publishers only work with compliant influencers
The article discusses the rise of a controversial book influencer known as 'Bücherschrank' in the German Bookfluencer scene, who defies the norms by not fitting into the typical political mold often associated with influencers.