Literature and Translation

Open Book in the foreground of a bookshelf © Getty Images

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.


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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: 

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.




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