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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.


Current Programmes & Projects

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Independent Expert Recommendations
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.

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Translation
Artificially Correct

With Artificially correct, we are developing a tool with experts that minimizes the bias in translations. We want to strengthen the position of translators and a conscious approach to translation machines and include the reality of as many people as possible in them.    

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Book Blog
Literary Tastings

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

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Translations of German Books into Other Languages
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.

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New Translation
Translation Awards

Find out everything about the Goethe-Institut Award for New Translation and the Schlegel-Tieck Prize for German Translation: awards, submission deadlines and conditions of participation.

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In Partnership with IFLA
Emerging International Voices

22 emerging international voices discuss the role of digital libraries in their countries. Join them for a series of online seminars with the best experts in the field.

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Translation
Events in London

Explore upcoming Translation events at Goethe-Institut London.

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Translation
Events in Glasgow

Explore upcoming Translation events at Goethe-Institut Glasgow. 

Newsletter about current cultural events

All our events in the visual arts, film, literature, music, dance and theatre!


Our Libraries

Our libraries are open for anyone and everyone to read, work, watch a film, listen to music or just take a coffee break there in a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Browse through audiobooks, eBooks, films and more: 
Onleihe - our digital library


Perspectives on Contemporary Literature and Language

Interesting news and interviews as well as popular items and insider tips in every literary genre

Collage with three coloured drawings from graphic novels. Illustrationen von Hamed Eshrat, Lukas Jüliger und Reinhard Kleist | © Goethe-Institut

Goethe Medal 2020
Ian McEwan in Graphic Novels

How can we celebrate important moments in the midst of a pandemic? As we were not able to award the Goethe Medal to Ian McEwan in a traditional ceremony, we asked three German graphic novel artists to reinvent it through visual storytelling.

Illustration: Several robots carry books through a control room, a human oversees their activities. Philippos Vassiliades | CC-BY-SA

Technology and Literature
A.I. and Literary Translation

Is Artificial Intelligence advanced enough to grasp and process literary texts in all their linguistic richness, and translate them into another language? Will it ever be advanced enough? Or will it remain "artificial" instead of "artistic"? Perhaps it doesn't have to be perfect to be useful and can work as a tool to support literary translators in their work – Let's ask some experts! 


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