The longlist has been selected for the €25,000 (about $28,850) 2026 German Book Prize. The shortlist will be announced September 8, and the winner named October 5, on the eve of the Frankfurt Book Fair. See the 20 novels on the longlist here.
Jury spokesperson Cornelia Geissler of the Berliner Zeitung said, "Exploring the past in order to understand the present--our 2026 selection of novels reflects this in many different ways. The books we selected range from fragmentary works of compelling complexity to sweeping, engrossing narratives spanning long periods of time. We are particularly impressed by the striking and illuminating ways in which biographical multilingualism culminates in literary richness. With stylistic assurance, innovation and, indeed, wit, the authors reveal the vulnerability of their characters and accompany them as they set out towards a different future. How can we find our bearings in a world where uncertainty is spreading? We are convinced that reading helps. These are the books to turn to."