The Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis, one of the most prestigious literary awards in German-speaking Europe, was awarded this year on June 28, 2026, during the 50th edition of the Days of German Literature in Klagenfurt, Austria. The award ceremony took place over several days, during which 14 authors read unpublished texts of approximately 30 minutes each. These readings were followed by jury discussions, where the seven-member panel evaluated the literary merit of each submission. This year’s winner was Lena Schätte, a 32-year-old author from North Rhine-Westphalia, who stood out among her competitors with her emotionally powerful narrative about two overweight high school friends navigating social exclusion.
Lena Schätte’s winning text, titled *Was wir tragen*, depicted the friendship between two socially marginalized girls as they struggle through their lives in a high school setting. Her work was praised by the jury for its emotional depth and ability to address themes of marginalization without resorting to accusation or moralizing. Juror Thomas Strässle described the piece as having “existential weight” and emphasized its significance and literary value. Schätte herself expressed disbelief at her victory, calling it “a fever dream.” She had previously gained recognition for her novel *Das Schwarz an den Händen meines Vaters*, which made it onto the longlist for the German Book Prize last year.
The competition has been held annually since 1977 and takes place within the framework of the Days of German Literature in Klagenfurt. This year, the main prize was accompanied by a cash sum of 30,000 euros, while the public prize included a writing scholarship. Schätte received both honors, further highlighting the resonance of her work with both the jury and the audience. Her background includes working as a psychiatric nurse before she began studying literature at the German Literary Institute in Leipzig in 2020.
Other notable winners of the event included Hungarian poet and performance artist Kinga Toth, who received the Kelag Prize worth 15,000 euros for her piece *OstblockMädl*. The text explored themes of labor migration, identity, and language through a musical composition. Austrian theater writer Magdalena Schrefel won the 3sat Prize (7,500 euros) for her story *Kirschen, Herz mit Verband*, which dealt with a narrator's struggle to speak openly about her breast cancer diagnosis. Another recipient was German author and political scientist Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic, whose contribution *Vater ohne Sohn* examined the complex relationship dynamics of a gay father who gives more attention to his young lover than to his son.
The award ceremony coincided with the centenary of Ingeborg Bachmann, the Austrian poet and prose writer after whom the prize is named. Bachmann, known for works such as *Die gestundete Zeit* and *Malina*, remains one of the most significant figures in 20th-century German literature. The event also featured an opening speech delivered by previous winner Helga Schubert, who had received the prize in 2020 at the age of 80. Schubert emphasized how receiving the Bachmann Prize can serve as a transformative milestone in a writer’s career.
The atmosphere surrounding the event was described as somber and heavy, with many participants and observers feeling a lingering sense of melancholy after witnessing the intense emotional performances and discussions. Despite the gravity of the subject matter, the competition continued to attract considerable interest and admiration from both critics and readers alike. As the 50th anniversary of the competition approached, the event underscored the ongoing relevance of addressing societal issues through literature, while honoring the legacy of Ingeborg Bachmann and continuing to elevate new voices in the literary world.
6 reports
Die ZeitIndependentCenter5 days agoThe article discusses the recent Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis literary award ceremony in Klagenfurt, highlighting the somber and emotionally heavy atmosphere experienced by attendees over the past five days. The event featured 14 authors reading unpublished texts of approximately 30 minutes each, followed by discussions among a seven-member jury and the presenting author about the literary merit of the works. The tone of the event was described as melancholic and heavy, leaving a lasting impression on those present.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a descriptive account of the literary event without overtly favoring any particular perspective or ideology. It focuses on the emotional impact and structure of the event rather than taking a stance on political issues.
Tagesschau (ARD)State / PublicCenter5 days agoThe German author Lena Schätte has won the Ingeborg-Bachmann Prize at the Days of German-language Literature in Klagenfurt, Austria. Her winning entry, titled 'Was wir tragen,' explores the friendship between two overweight high school students who face social exclusion. The jury praised her work for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of marginalization without overt criticism. Schätte, 32 years old, is based in Altena, North Rhine-Westphalia, and previously worked as a psychiatric nurse before pursuing literature. She had previously been shortlisted for the German Book Prize with her novel 'Das Schwarz an den Händen meines Vaters.'
Bias read (Center): The article presents the awarding of the Ingeborg-Bachmann Prize as a cultural event, focusing on literary achievement rather than political controversy. While the topic relates to national identity and cultural institutions, there is no overt political charge or ideological framing. The tone is ap赭
Die ZeitIndependentCenter5 days ago Literary competition: "Unsurpassed" - Lena Schätte has won the 50th Bachmann PrizeLena Schätte, a 32-year-old author from North Rhine-Westphalia, won the 50th Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis for her sensitive literary work about two overweight friends navigating high school as outsiders. Her piece, titled 'What We Carry,' was praised by jurors for its emotional depth and literary significance. Schätte also received the audience award, which includes a writing scholarship. The theme of visibility and societal neglect of overweight individuals was central to her work. Other winners included Hungarian poet Kinga Toth, Austrian playwright Magdalena Schrefel, and German writer Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic, whose works focused on themes such as female autonomy, breast cancer, and LGBTQ+ family dynamics. A total of 14 literary talents competed in Klagenfurt.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a literary competition and does not take a clear stance on any political issue. It provides balanced coverage of the event, highlighting the themes of the winning works without overtly favoring any particular perspective.
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenter5 days agoThe article reports that Lena Schätte, a German writer from North Rhine-Westphalia, has won the Ingeborg-Bachmann Prize 2026 in Klagenfurt, Austria. The prize, which is part of the 50th Days of German-Language Literature event, was awarded to Schätte out of 13 other candidates. Her winning work, titled 'Was wir tragen,' explores the friendship between two overweight high school students who face social exclusion. Schätte also received the audience prize. The jury praised her work for addressing themes of marginalization without judgment. Schätte, who previously made it to the longlist for the German Book Prize, is described as being overwhelmed by her win. The article also mentions other winners, such as Hungarian poet and performance artist Kinga Toth, who won the Kelag Prize. The event has been held since 1977 and honors the Austrian lyricist and prose writer Ingeborg Bachmann.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral report on a literary award, focusing on the winner’s work and background without taking a political stance. It does not frame the subject in a biased manner and provides balanced information about the event and its participants.
Der SpiegelIndependentCenter5 days agoLena Schätte, a 32-year-old author from North Rhine-Westphalia, has won the prestigious Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis in Klagenfurt, Austria. The award, worth €30,000 this year, was given for her text 'What We Carry,' which poignantly portrays the friendship between two overweight high school girls who face social exclusion. Schätte also received the audience prize. Juror Thomas Strässle praised her work for addressing themes of marginalization without judgment or didacticism. Schätte previously published her novel 'Ruhrpottliebe' in 2014 and worked as a psychiatric nurse before starting a literature degree in Leipzig. Her recent novel 'The Black on My Father's Hands' earned her multiple awards. Meanwhile, Hungarian poet and performance artist Kinga Toth won the Kelag-Preis for her musical text 'East Block Girl,' exploring migration, identity, and language.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a literary award ceremony, focusing on the winner's work and background. It provides balanced information without overtly favoring any political perspective. The content centers on cultural and artistic achievements rather than directly engaging with political issues, though a
Der SpiegelIndependentCenter5 days ago Lena Schätte has won the Bachmann PrizeLena Schätte, a German author from North Rhine-Westphalia, has won the prestigious Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis awarded by the city of Klagenfurt, Austria. The prize, worth €30,000 this year, was awarded for her text 'What We Carry,' which poignantly portrays the friendship between two overweight high school girls who face social exclusion. Schätte also received the audience award. Juror Thomas Strässle praised her work for addressing themes of marginalization without judgment or didacticism. Schätte previously published her novel 'Ruhrpottliebe' in 2014 and worked as a psychiatric nurse before starting a literature degree at the German Literary Institute in Leipzig. Her recent novel 'The Black on My Father's Hands' earned her multiple awards. Meanwhile, Hungarian poet and performance artist Kinga Toth won the Kelag-Preis (€15,000) for her piece 'East Block Girl,' exploring migration, identity, and language.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the literary awards without taking a stance on political issues. It focuses on cultural achievements and does not involve political controversy, debate, or policy discussion.
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