The selection committee for the German Book Prize has announced the shortlist for the 2025 award. Six novels have been chosen from a pool of 229 submissions published between October 2024 and September 16, 2025.
The nominated works are “Die Holländerinnen” by Dorothee Elmiger, “Die Ausweichschule” by Kaleb Erdmann, “ë” by Jehona Kica, “Haus zur Sonne” by Thomas Melle, “Am Samstag gehen die Mädchen in den Wald und jagen Sachen in die Luft” by Fiona Sironic and “Wachs” by Christine Wunnicke.
According to jury spokesperson Laura de Weck, the selection reflects a focus on exploring “psychological, societal and political depths”. She further noted the nominees, despite their diverse narrative styles and linguistic approaches, share thematic connections, notably touching upon themes of violence and tenderness.
The winner will be announced on October 13, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Frankfurt Book Fair at the Kaisersaal of the Frankfurt Römers. The winning author will receive a prize of €25,000, while the remaining five finalists will each receive €2,500.
