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Literature and Translation

Novels, essays, poetry, short stories, comics – German-language literature holds a mirror up to society. For language changes and evolves in society, and changes the way we write. This ongoing interaction gives rise to a lively German-language literary scene, in which we work with a worldwide network of writers and translators.

a staple of books © Colourbox

  • Hannah Arendt

    In November, the Goethe-Institut Glasgow invites you to discover the many facets of Hannah Arendt, one of Germany’s most eminent thinkers. Her work as a political theorist, especially on the topics of power, freedom, responsibility, and judgment, remains of remarkable relevance today.

    Hannah Ahrendt in 1975 © unknown / Wikimedia Commons © unknown / Wikimedia Commons

  • New Books in German

    Discover the latest books out in the Austrian, German and Swiss markets! New Books in German presents reviews of the best current novels as well as articles about the German-language literary scene.

    "New Books in German" logo: three vertical bars in different colours symbolising three books © New Books in German © New Books in German

  • Onleihe: The digital library

    Our digital library Onleihe offers access to more than 35,000 German-language media such as e-books, audio books and music, newspapers, magazines and films, free of charge. Anytime, anywhere, free of charge.

    A woman listens to digital media from the Onleihe service and runs past people waiting at the bus stop in the rain. Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut

  • Ingeborg Bachmann – ‘I only exist when I write’

    The Stiftung Literaturhaus München and the Austrian National Library have developed an exhibition on Bachmann, which can be seen at the Casa di Goethe Museum in Rome until August 2025.

    Ingeborg Bachmann © picture-alliance / dpa © picture-alliance / dpa

  • Literary Tastings

    What are people reading in Germany and Great Britain these days? We bring together the writers people are talking about.

    Books Menu © Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow

  • Translation Grant Programme

    We support non-German publishers in publishing and translating German-language literature to make current works of contemporary literature, books for children and young people, comics and graphic novels as well as academic titles and non-fiction works accessible to a larger audience.

    A pile of books © Goethe-Institut/ Loredana La Rocca © Goethe-Institut/ Loredana La Rocca

  • Reading made easy

    For learners of German from language levels B2 and C1 (of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), we recommend the works of contemporary German-language literature in the Onleihe, our free digital library.

    Onleihe by eBook reader (information in German) © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Literary Events

Meet yout favourite author online!

#MeetTheAuthor - International Book Club

In the International Online Book Club of the Goethe-Institut #MeetTheAuthor,literature enthusiasts from all over Europe come together to discover German-language literature and share their reading experiences. What makes it special: The authors are present live, reading from their books and engaging in discussions with you. 

Meet the Author Illustration © Goethe-Institut. Illustration: Katta Rasche © Goethe-Institut. Illustration: Katta Rasche

  • German Book Clubs in London

    The book clubs meet once a month to informally explore the ideas contained in the best works of German fiction. The discussion usually lasts for 90 minutes. Language learners are welcome. Participants either buy the title themselves, or borrow them from our Library or eLibrary.   

    four people talking about books © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd

  • German Book Clubs in Glasgow

    Discover German literature at the Goethe-Institut in Glasgow. Once a month on a Tuesday evening we discuss a contemporary German novel or short story (B2/C1 and higher). Participation is free of charge.

    Book Club in the library of the Goethe-Instituts Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow

  • German Translators' Workshop in London

    This regular workshop is designed for German-English literary translators and provides a space for professional discussion. Participants are welcome to bring excerpts of their translations, discuss translation challenges, or simply attend to offer and receive feedback.

    German Translators' Workshop © Goethe-Institut London / Paula Lambertz © Goethe-Institut London / Paula Lambertz

  • German Translators' Workshop in Glasgow

    These workshops are aimed at emerging and established literary translators and are organised by the Goethe-Institut Glasgow and hosted by Annie Rutherford and Rebeccad DeWald. Meet fellow translators to discuss your work and the joys and issues related to (literary) translation.
     

    Translator's Stammtisch © Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow

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