Lena Schätte Triumphs with Bachmann Prize Win
Daily Monitor
September 20, 2026
Lena Schätte Triumphs with Bachmann Prize Win
German author Lena Schätte captivates the literary world by winning the prestigious Ingeborg Bachmann Prize in Klagenfurt.
In a resounding victory that has electrified the literary community, German author Lena Schätte has been awarded the esteemed Ingeborg Bachmann Prize during the annual Days of German-Language Literature in Klagenfurt, Austria. Schätte’s poignant and evocative text, titled ‘Was wir tragen’ (‘What We Carry’), explores the profound friendship between two overweight schoolgirls navigating life as social outsiders. The jury praised the work for its ‘existential force,’ highlighting its ability to address themes of exclusion without resorting to accusation or moralizing.
Schätte, a 32-year-old writer from Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia, emerged victorious among 13 competitors in the multi-day literary contest, which has been a cornerstone of German-language literature since its inception in 1977. Her triumph was further amplified by her receipt of the Audience Award, underscoring the widespread resonance of her narrative. The Bachmann Prize, endowed with €30,000, is one of the most prestigious accolades in the literary world, honoring exceptional contributions to contemporary literature.
The author’s journey to this momentous achievement is as compelling as her writing. Schätte previously worked as a psychiatric nurse before embarking on a literary career in 2020, enrolling at the German Literature Institute in Leipzig. Her earlier work, ‘Das Schwarz an den Händen meines Vaters’ (‘The Black on My Father’s Hands’), earned a place on the longlist for the German Book Prize, signaling her emergence as a formidable voice in modern literature.
Juror Thomas Strässle, in his laudatory remarks, described Schätte’s text as a ‘fever dream,’ emphasizing its raw emotional depth and narrative power. Schätte herself expressed astonishment at her win, calling the experience surreal and transformative. Her victory adds her name to an illustrious list of past winners, including literary luminaries such as Sten Nadolny, Sibylle Lewitscharoff, and Helga Schubert.
The Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, established in memory of the Austrian poet and prose writer Ingeborg Bachmann, carries a profound legacy. This year’s award holds special significance, as it coincides with the centenary of Bachmann’s birth on June 25. The prize continues to celebrate literary innovation and the enduring impact of German-language literature, ensuring that voices like Lena Schätte’s are heard and celebrated on a global stage.
Schätte, a 32-year-old writer from Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia, emerged victorious among 13 competitors in the multi-day literary contest, which has been a cornerstone of German-language literature since its inception in 1977. Her triumph was further amplified by her receipt of the Audience Award, underscoring the widespread resonance of her narrative. The Bachmann Prize, endowed with €30,000, is one of the most prestigious accolades in the literary world, honoring exceptional contributions to contemporary literature.
The author’s journey to this momentous achievement is as compelling as her writing. Schätte previously worked as a psychiatric nurse before embarking on a literary career in 2020, enrolling at the German Literature Institute in Leipzig. Her earlier work, ‘Das Schwarz an den Händen meines Vaters’ (‘The Black on My Father’s Hands’), earned a place on the longlist for the German Book Prize, signaling her emergence as a formidable voice in modern literature.
Juror Thomas Strässle, in his laudatory remarks, described Schätte’s text as a ‘fever dream,’ emphasizing its raw emotional depth and narrative power. Schätte herself expressed astonishment at her win, calling the experience surreal and transformative. Her victory adds her name to an illustrious list of past winners, including literary luminaries such as Sten Nadolny, Sibylle Lewitscharoff, and Helga Schubert.
The Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, established in memory of the Austrian poet and prose writer Ingeborg Bachmann, carries a profound legacy. This year’s award holds special significance, as it coincides with the centenary of Bachmann’s birth on June 25. The prize continues to celebrate literary innovation and the enduring impact of German-language literature, ensuring that voices like Lena Schätte’s are heard and celebrated on a global stage.
Drafted & Edited by Investigative Desk | AboMatrix