The German Book Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards in Germany, has recently announced its 20th edition longlist of 20 books. The jury, chaired by Natascha Freundel, selected these titles from a pool of 197 submissions, showcasing the diversity and quality of German-language literature.
The longlist includes a wide range of genres and themes, from autofictional texts to historical-political novels and poetic expressions of self-affirmation. Freundel highlighted the unique storytelling approaches of the selected books, noting how they challenge traditional narration and explore new possibilities in language and digital textual building blocks.
The winner of the German Book Prize will receive €25,000, with each of the five finalists receiving €2,500. The shortlist of six books is set to be announced on September 17, leading up to the final award ceremony on October 14 at the Frankfurt Römer. This timing coincides with the start of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, one of the largest book fairs in the world.
Last year’s winner, Tonio Schachinger, was recognized for his novel „Echtzeitalter“ (Real Age), showcasing the high caliber of writing that the German Book Prize celebrates. This year’s jury, consisting of literary experts and critics, will have the challenging task of selecting the ultimate winner from the shortlisted authors.
The German Book Prize is supported by the Deutsche Bank Foundation, the Frankfurter Buchmesse, and the city of Frankfurt, with media coverage provided by the television network Deutsche Welle. The award not only honors outstanding literary works but also promotes German-language literature both domestically and internationally.
Overall, the German Book Prize continues to be a beacon of excellence in the literary world, recognizing and celebrating the best of contemporary German fiction. With its long history of showcasing innovative storytelling and diverse voices, the award remains a key event in the literary calendar, drawing attention to the richness and depth of German literature.