Translation Funding

We seek to give international readers access to contemporary German-language fiction, non-fiction, and books for children and young adults.

Since the program's inception in 1974, publishers worldwide have translated more than 7,000 books into 45 languages with our financial support.

Funding Conditions

  • We support publishers worldwide who translate German-language books.
  • The Goethe-Institut reimburses a share of the translation costs.
  • The application process takes place online via the Goethe application portal in English or German.
  • Applications are possible four times a year for one month at a time.

Contact

New Books in German Translation Grant

Special arrangements are in place for English-language translation grant applications for titles featured in New Books in German, a twice yearly journal aimed at US and UK editors. New Books in German offers publishing professionals independent help in finding the right titles from among the thousands published each year in the German language.

Sample translations may be available for German fiction titles featured in New Books in German.

Any title by a German author that was featured in an issue of New Books in German in the last 5 years and acquired by an English-language US publisher is guaranteed a translation grant of approximately 50% of the translation costs.

Applications are accepted year-round with no specific deadlines. We strongly recommend US publishers contact us regarding translation projects involving New Books in German titles at the earliest possible date.

Recently funded translations

This selection of English-language titles received support from our grant program and were recently published in the US.

Goethe-Institut Photo: Loredana La Rocca

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