One of the biggest highlights of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 is the growing wave of Slovenian literature now available in German. As Slovenia takes its role as Guest of Honour, the spotlight is shining bright on new translations — and German readers are finally getting a deeper look into this rich, poetic, and complex literary landscape.
Dozens of Slovenian books are making their German-language debut this year, ranging from classic novels to edgy contemporary fiction, sharp essays, experimental poetry, and beautifully illustrated children’s books. These aren’t just one-off releases — they’re part of a larger cultural moment, one built on years of translation work, funding, and collaboration.
Let’s look into which Slovenian works are being translated into German, who’s behind them, and why this literary exchange matters now more than ever.
Table of Contents
Fiction
Contemporary Slovenian fiction is gaining traction in Germany thanks to strong narrative voices and themes that resonate far beyond Slovenia’s borders — identity, memory, family, and survival.
Here are some standout fiction titles being released in German:
| Original Title | Author | German Title | Publisher (DE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| To noč sem jo videl | Drago Jančar | In jener Nacht sah ich sie | Suhrkamp Verlag |
| Kronosova žetev | Mojca Kumerdej | Kronos’ Ernte | Edition Converso |
| Figa | Goran Vojnović | Der Feigenbaum | Voland & Quist |
| Čebelja družina | Anja Mugerli | Der Bienenstock | KLAK Verlag |
These novels combine literary style with political and social depth, offering a fresh European perspective that appeals to the German reading public.
Nonfiction
Slovenian nonfiction, particularly in the form of essays and philosophical works, is also entering the German market in greater numbers. Thinkers like Slavoj Žižek paved the way, but a new generation of essayists is expanding the scope.
At Frankfurt, you’ll find:
- Grenzen der Erinnerung – a collection of essays on European identity
- Körper, Krieg, Sprache – feminist essays by Slovenian women writers
- Der kleine Staat, der groß denkt – an overview of Slovenian culture and politics
These works challenge, provoke, and offer new angles on current European debates — from nationalism to ecology to digital ethics.
Poetry
Poetry may seem like a niche, but in Slovenia, it’s mainstream — and now it’s finally arriving in German bookstores with impact.
Some notable translated collections include:
| Poet | German Title | Publisher (DE) |
|---|---|---|
| Anja Golob | Versuch über das Licht | Edition Korrespondenzen |
| Katja Perat | Die Auflösung der Sterne | Hochroth Berlin |
| Nina Dragičević | Laut und Leer | Sukultur |
German poetry readers will find these works raw, reflective, and daring — often crossing lines between personal and political, lyrical and radical.
Children
Children’s literature is a strong category for Slovenian exports in 2025, and German publishers are responding with enthusiasm. Several picture books and middle-grade stories are launching this fall, including:
| Title (English) | Author | German Title | Publisher (DE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Does the Wolf Howl? | Peter Svetina | Warum heult der Wolf? | Moritz Verlag |
| Smart Dog Bruno | Lila Prap | Schlauer Hund Bruno | Beltz & Gelberg |
| My Name is Sky | Nataša Lorenzutti | Ich heiße Himmel | Hanser Kinderbuch |
These books blend illustration, emotion, and storytelling in a way that crosses borders with ease.
Translation
All of this wouldn’t be possible without translators. Slovenia’s translation efforts are supported by programs from the Slovenian Book Agency, the Ministry of Culture, and EU-backed grants. These programs provide funding not just for translation but for promotion, design, and distribution.
Some leading translators contributing to this wave include Erwin Köstler, Matthias Göritz, and Ann Catrin Bolton — names that German publishers now trust with the delicate work of literary exchange.
Their collaboration with authors has helped ensure that the German editions retain the emotional depth, linguistic style, and cultural nuance of the originals.
Launches
Throughout the Frankfurt Book Fair, German editions of Slovenian books are being launched with events, signings, and readings.
Here are just a few to catch:
- Drago Jančar Reading & Signing – Thursday, 3 PM, Suhrkamp Stage
- Poetry Panel with Katja Perat – Friday, 11 AM, Slovenian Pavilion
- Children’s Book Hour with Lila Prap – Saturday, 10:30 AM, Kids’ Zone
- Translators Roundtable – Friday, 2 PM, Literary Translation Hub
These moments give German readers and publishers a chance to connect directly with the creators and translators behind the books.
Why It Matters
This wave of new translations isn’t just a cultural milestone — it’s a conversation starter. It brings Slovenian voices into German homes, schools, and libraries. It introduces new perspectives into Germany’s literary ecosystem and helps Slovenian authors reach a wider audience than ever before.
Frankfurt 2025 isn’t just a launchpad — it’s a celebration of literary bridges being built one translated book at a time.
FAQs
Which Slovenian novels are new in German?
Works by Jančar, Vojnović, Kumerdej, and Mugerli are released.
Are children’s books translated too?
Yes, titles by Lila Prap and Peter Svetina debut in German.
Who funds Slovenian book translations?
Support comes from the Slovenian Book Agency and EU grants.
What publishers are releasing the translations?
Suhrkamp, Hanser, Beltz & Gelberg, and others are involved.
Are there translation events at Frankfurt 2025?
Yes, readings and panels with authors and translators.
