German literature

German Collections

Contemporary literature from Germany? Browse our collection then borrow the item via any local public library in Australia.

German Classics

Read German Classics like Goethe or Kleist online in English translation. Start exploring the old world of literature in a new medium.

Writers' Gallery

German authors in Australia – Find out which authors have been on tour and read snippets of their work – in English and German.

Reviews

Looking for a good read? Australian literary critics review new German books published in English translation.

What’s new

E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776–1822) is a key figure of the German Romantic Movement. In his tales, the border between horror and reality is blurred, creating a feeling of uncanniness. His style was very influential.

Writers' Gallery

Jenny Erpenbeck was a guest at the Adelaide Writers’ Festival and visited the Goethe-Institut in Sydney to present her new historic novel “Visitation”.
Read the first chapter in our Writers Gallery to whet your appetite for the book.

Reviews

Read the review of Precht’s “Who am I? and if so, how many?” by Jeremy Fisher. Precht’s book has reawakened Fisher’s interest in philosophy and he admits having gained a wealth of knowledge from it in a yet entertaining way.

Small Publishing Houses in Germany - An Interview with Stefan Weidle

In many parts of the world, the big end of publishing has cornered the market. In Germany, about 80 small publishing companies are trying to keep afloat offering independet content and careful book production. Stefan Weidle, chairman of the Kurt Wolff Foundation, wants to draw attention to small publishing companies, their financial problems and the book's future as luxury product. More

The German-Iraqi Author Abbas Khider – Troubadour of Confidence

Iraqi Abbas Khider came to Germany in 2000 as an adult without knowledge of the German language. Today he is at the forefront of German writing. His latest novel, “The President’s Oranges”, was awarded the 2010 Adelbert von Chamisso Prize. In his works, written in somber, simple prose, he explores his own experiences as refugee and prisoner. More

Goethe-Institut Australien

Book of the month

June

Stamm, Peter
Seerücken
256 pages, Fischer (S.) (2011)
ISBN 9783100751331

Laconic, simple stories, but stories full of atmosphere. Peter Stamm tells of lives that aren't lived, that are put off, remembered and then finally passed by.