Litrix.de

Germany is a major importer of literature. At present, there is a clear imbalance between the reception of German literature in other countries and the reception and translation of foreign language books in Germany. Nevertheless, both here and abroad, German contemporary literature has become noticeably more popular.

The Federal Cultural Foundation has funded the launch of the online magazine www.litrix.de (external link, opens in a new window) to promote German contemporary literature internationally. This online magazine provides up-to-date access to first-class sample translations of new literary publications and offers the latest news regarding the German publishing trade. The magazine's target group includes foreign publishers, editors, translators, critics, German specialists and generally anyone who is interested in literature. Each year an international jury of experts selects approx. 30 newly released books, of which sample translations are made available worldwide free of charge. The online magazine is published in German, English and Portuguese. The second part of the project is a programme to promote translations for certain regions of the world. In consultation with the Goethe-Institut / Inter Nationes, the programme selects a new geographic focus each year, funding translations in regions where literature can play an integral role in intercultural dialogue.

In 2004 the translation programme focused its efforts on countries in the Arabic world. In order to promote German literature in China, Litrix organized reading tours, workshops and a publishing seminar in China. It also funded a wide range of translations into Chinese, including specialist literature, popular fiction and children's books. Brazil has been the geographic focus of translations from Litrix in 2007.