Organizer Information
The Kunststiftung NRW is a leading cultural foundation based in Düsseldorf, Germany, dedicated to promoting arts and literature. In collaboration with the Europäisches Übersetzer-Kollegium in Straelen, it supports excellence in literary translation and international cultural exchange. The foundation annually awards the Straelener Übersetzerpreis, one of Europe’s most prestigious and highest-funded prizes for German-language literary translation.
Title & Description
Straelener Übersetzerpreis der Kunststiftung NRW 2026
This open call honors outstanding literary translation into German. The Hauptpreis recognizes translators for exceptional achievements in prose translation, considering both a specific work and the translator’s overall contributions, including promotion of international cultural exchange. The Förderpreis acknowledges promising translators with a notable prose translation but limited prior publications. Applicants can submit published and available works, with self-nominations explicitly welcomed.
Categories
- Literature
- Translation
- Writing
Eligibility
- Open to German-language translators
- Emerging and established practitioners
- No age restrictions
- Self-nominations and submissions by critics or publishers are accepted
- Must have a published and available translation
- Each translator may submit only one work
Program Benefits & Awards
- Hauptpreis: €25,000
- Förderpreis: €5,000
- Recognition in European literary circles
- Support for translators’ professional development and international cultural exchange
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
By Post:
- Six copies of the published translation were sent to:
Europäisches Übersetzer-Kollegium
Stichwort: Übersetzerpreis 2026
Kuhstraße 15-19, D-47638 Straelen, Germany
By Email:
- PDFs of the translation draft and original text
- Current biography and bibliography (full publication list with publishers)
- Completed GDPR form (downloadable from organizer site)
How to Apply?
Submit required materials by post or email as specified above. Confirmation of receipt will be sent via email.
- Hauptpreis: 01@uebersetzerkollegium.com
- Förderpreis: 02@uebersetzerkollegium.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 April 2026
- Jury Decision: Early Summer 2026 (non-public)
Location
Straelen, Germany
Additional Details
- Submitted materials will not be returned.
- Jury decisions are final; no appeal is possible.
- The award includes recognition for cultural contribution beyond literary translation.