The 50th Bachmann Prize, held as part of the Days of German-Language Literature in Klagenfurt, has concluded with a clear winner—Lena Schätte. The award, which celebrates emerging talent in German-language literature, saw Schätte secure both the main prize and the public vote award, marking a significant milestone in her literary career. Her winning text, *„Was wir tragen“*, resonated deeply with both the jury and the audience, earning praise for its poignant exploration of social exclusion, self-perception, and the complexities of growing up in a disadvantaged environment.
Schätte’s narrative centers on a young woman who navigates societal judgment through humor, particularly around weight-related jokes, before others begin to mock her. This subtle yet powerful portrayal highlights the emotional toll of being marginalized and the resilience required to survive in a world where one's identity is often dictated by external forces. The story reflects themes that have also appeared in her debut novel, *„Das Schwarz an den Händen meines Vaters“*, published by S. Fischer in 2025. That book made it onto the longlist for the German Book Prize, further cementing Schätte’s place in contemporary literature.
From the outset, Schätte was considered a strong contender. Her performance during the second reading day of the festival solidified her position as a favorite. The seven-member jury, unusually united in their assessment of her work, praised the clarity and emotional depth of her writing. Juror Thomas Strässle, who had recommended Schätte’s text, highlighted the “beautiful and unpretentious language” that brought her work to life. Even traditionally critical jurors, such as Philipp Tingler, expressed admiration for her ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and precision.
Schätte, a former psychiatric nurse from the Ruhr region, began writing fiction in 2014 while working in the field. She later pursued formal training in literary writing at the German Literary Institute in Leipzig, where she balanced her studies with caring for individuals struggling with addiction. Despite her professional background, Schätte has always maintained a sense of humility about her literary ambitions. In a recent interview for the Bachmann Prize, she admitted feeling more confident than ever in declaring herself a writer, though she acknowledged that this moment of success might be fleeting. “There’s still a little nurse inside me,” she said, reflecting on how her past experiences continue to shape her perspective.
In addition to the main prize, Schätte won the BKS Public Vote Award, which includes a stipend for the Carinthian Summer. This dual victory underscores the broad appeal of her work, both among professionals and the general public. Her win was not entirely unexpected, as she had been widely regarded as a frontrunner throughout the competition. The public voting process, conducted via tablet devices on the final decision day, confirmed the jury’s consensus, resulting in a decisive outcome.
Magdalena Schrefel, another Austrian author, took home the 3sat Prize for her text *„Kirschen, Herz mit Verband“*. Her work, which explores the experience of illness, was praised for its poetic yet grounded approach. Juror Laura de Weck lauded the text for offering insights into the struggle with disease, blending sensitivity with raw emotion. Schrefel, born in Korneuburg, has already gained recognition with her novel *„Das Blaue vom Himmel“*, published by Suhrkamp, which was shortlisted for the Austrian Book Prize in 2025.
Other notable winners included Kinga Toth and Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic, whose texts were also highly acclaimed. The overall tone of the awards ceremony reflected a strong emphasis on clarity, emotional resonance, and the power of language to reveal hidden truths. As the festival continues, the focus remains on celebrating voices that challenge norms and offer fresh perspectives on the human condition. With Schätte’s triumph, the 50th Bachmann Prize has once again demonstrated the enduring strength of German-language literature.
2 reports
KurierParty-alignedCenter6 days agoLena Schätte, a former psychiatric nurse from the Ruhr region, won the 50th Bachmann Prize for her literary work 'What We Carry,' which explores themes of social exclusion and growing up in a disadvantaged environment. The jury was largely united in their assessment of her text, with notable praise from jurors like Laura de Weck, who called Schätte's writing a 'literary superpower.' Schätte had previously been shortlisted for the German Book Prize for her novel 'The Black on My Father's Hands,' set to be published in 2025. She also won the audience award at the event, which includes a scholarship from the Carinthian Summer. Austrian author Magdalena Schrefel received the 3sat prize for her piece 'Cherries, Heart with Sense,' another anticipated entry from a writer already recognized for her novel 'Blue from the Sky.'
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a literary award ceremony, focusing on the winners and their works. It provides factual information about the authors, their backgrounds, and the awards they received. There is no evident political framing, bias, or commentary on political issues.
ORF NewsState / PublicCenter6 days agoThe 50th edition of the German-language literature festival in Klagenfurt concluded with Lena Schätte winning both the Bachmann Prize and the People's Choice Award. Her work, 'What We Carry,' was praised for its clear imagery and precise language, addressing themes of exclusion and self-reflection through the relationship between two friends preparing to face familial violence. The jury awarded points via tablets during the event, resulting in a decisive outcome. Other notable participants included Kinga Toth, Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic, and Magdalena Schrefel. Schätte expressed gratitude for the recognition of her themes, which she said were important for many people.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a literary award and does not engage in overtly political commentary, framing, or advocacy. It provides balanced descriptions of the event, the winner's work, and juror reactions without leaning toward any ideological perspective.
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