Ursula Krechel: Georg Büchner Prize for literature and remembrance work

Ursula Krechel: Georg Büchner Prize for literature and remembrance work

On November 1, 2025, Ursula Krechel was awarded the prestigious Georg Büchner Prize. The celebratory award ceremony took place at the State Theater in Darmstadt, a place known for its cultural events and recognition of literary achievements. The jury praised the impressive power of Krechel's literature, in which she not only illuminates the devastation of German history, but also draws attention to the current hardening of the present. Another prize at the event went to Dan Diner, who received the Sigmund Freud Prize for scientific prose, while Ilma Rakusa received the Johann Heinrich Merck Prize for her literary criticism and essays.

Krechel, who was born in Trier in 1947 and studied German, theater studies and art history, has made a name for herself as an accomplished writer, poet and dramaturge. Her acceptance speech focused on the people who suffered for political reasons, a central theme in her works. According to her laudator, Sabine Küchler, the narrators in Krechel's books are often "strangely damaged" and "tattooed" by their family and political history. This image reflects the societal challenges and complex identity that emerge again and again in Krechel's writing.

A significant prize

The Georg Büchner Prize is endowed with 50,000 euros and is considered one of the most important awards in German-speaking countries. It is awarded by the German Academy for Language and Poetry and is aimed at writers who write in German and make a significant contribution to German cultural life. The prize is financed by the federal government, the state of Hesse and the city of Darmstadt. Previous winners include big names such as Max Frisch, Günter Grass and Heinrich Böll.

In her moving speech, Krechel emphasized the importance of writing, especially in the context of death and difficult living conditions. Her words made it clear how important it is to honor the memory of the victims of political violence and to actively engage with history. In doing so, she addressed an important social concern that goes beyond personal stories and addresses collective responsibility for the past.

A look at Krechel's works

Krechel, who made her debut in 1974 with the play “Erika,” has published numerous works in various literary genres, including poetry, epic poetry and essays. This year she published the novel “Dear Minister” and the collection of poems “On Cardiac Asthma of Exile,” both of which, in her usual way, play with the complexity of identity and memory. The award jury particularly appreciated her analysis of class relations and the topic of return to Germany after flight and exile.

The award ceremony not only marks a personal success for Krechel, but also honors all those who had to suffer under the conditions that she addresses in her works. The award thus builds a bridge from the past to the present and represents a significant step towards the appreciation of the literary examination of German history.