Dana Vowinckel and Svenja Leiber Longlisted for the German Book Prize 2026
News09.08.2026
Dana Vowinckel and Svenja Leiber have been shortlisted for the 2026 German Book Prize for their novels Anton and Alma and Nelka.
»Exploring the past to understand the present – a theme that is reflected in various ways throughout our selection of novels for 2026. We have included fragmentary forms of compelling complexity as well as grand, gripping narratives spanning long periods of time. We were particularly impressed by the striking and illuminating ways in which biographical multilingualism can enrich our literature. Stylistically assured, innovative, and with a healthy dose of humour, the authors reveal the vulnerability of their characters and accompany them on their journeys towards a different future. How do we find our bearings in a world where everything seems so uncertain? We are convinced that reading helps. These books do just that« said jury spokesperson Cornelia Geißler in her public remarks on the longlist.
The German Book Prize is awarded annually by the Stiftung Buchkultur und Leseförderung des Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels at the start of the Frankfurt Book Fair to the best novel written in German that year. The prize seeks to raise the international profile of German-language authors, of reading, and of books as a medium.
The prize is endowed with a total of €37,500, with the winner receiving €25,000 and the other five authors on the shortlist €2,500 each. The German Book Prize is organised by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels and is supported by partners from outside the industry.
The shortlist will be announced on 8 September, and the 2026 German Book Prize will be announced on 5 October 2026.
»Exploring the past to understand the present – a theme that is reflected in various ways throughout our selection of novels for 2026. We have included fragmentary forms of compelling complexity as well as grand, gripping narratives spanning long periods of time. We were particularly impressed by the striking and illuminating ways in which biographical multilingualism can enrich our literature. Stylistically assured, innovative, and with a healthy dose of humour, the authors reveal the vulnerability of their characters and accompany them on their journeys towards a different future. How do we find our bearings in a world where everything seems so uncertain? We are convinced that reading helps. These books do just that« said jury spokesperson Cornelia Geißler in her public remarks on the longlist.
The German Book Prize is awarded annually by the Stiftung Buchkultur und Leseförderung des Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels at the start of the Frankfurt Book Fair to the best novel written in German that year. The prize seeks to raise the international profile of German-language authors, of reading, and of books as a medium.
The prize is endowed with a total of €37,500, with the winner receiving €25,000 and the other five authors on the shortlist €2,500 each. The German Book Prize is organised by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels and is supported by partners from outside the industry.
The shortlist will be announced on 8 September, and the 2026 German Book Prize will be announced on 5 October 2026.
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Zuletzt aktualisiert am 11.08.2026