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

Literary Tastings

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

© Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow
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 © 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.

Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut
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.

© Goethe-Institut/ Loredana La Rocca © Goethe-Institut/ Loredana La Rocca
Goethe-Institut Award for New Translation

Find out everything about the Goethe-Institut Award for New Translation: prizes, submission deadlines and conditions of participation.

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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.

© Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd

Our Book Clubs

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.

© 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.

© 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.

© 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.

© Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow

Contact

Annemarie Goodridge

Translation and Literature Programmes

Tel.: +44 2075964021
annemarie.goodridge@goethe.de
Susanne Graaf

Head of Library and Information Services

Tel.: +44 1413322555
susanne.graaf@goethe.de