German literature
Origins and Middle Ages
The earliest examples of written German literature can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the Song of Hildebrand and the Nibelunglied being two of the most notable examples. These texts, written in Old High German, provide a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of the Germanic tribes of the time.
The Middle Ages also saw the rise of minnesingers, poet-musicians who composed and performed songs of courtly love. Some of the most famous minnesingers include Walther von der Vogelweide and Wolfram von Eschenbach, whose works remain influential in German literature.
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment period in Germany, also known as the Age of Reason, marked a shift in German literature. Writers began to focus on reason, individualism, and societal issues. The works of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Friedrich Schiller, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe exemplify this period.
Romanticism
The Romantic period in German literature was characterized by a focus on emotion, nature, and the individual. The works of Novalis, E.T.A. Hoffmann, and Heinrich Heine are representative of this period.
Realism
The Realist period in German literature was marked by a focus on the depiction of reality and the everyday life of ordinary people. The works of Theodor Fontane and Gustav Freytag are representative of this period.
20th Century and Beyond
The 20th century and beyond saw a variety of movements in German literature, from Expressionism and the New Objectivity to Post-War literature and contemporary works. Writers such as Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, Günter Grass, and Herta Müller have made significant contributions to German literature during this time.