14 Must-Read German Poems

German poetry may not be the first type of European poetry to come to mind, but these poets have been highly influential on world literature.

From the Romantic era with poets like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller to the expressionist works of Georg Trakl, German poetry encompasses an interesting range of styles and themes.

German poets often delve into introspection, exploring themes of nature, love, existentialism, and the human condition. They have made significant contributions to the development of poetic forms, including the sonnet and the ballad.

German poetry also reflects the country’s turbulent history, addressing topics such as war, political upheaval, and social change.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

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Lament

by Hermann Hesse

‘Lament’ by Hermann Hesse describes the mental and emotional state of a speaker who is unable to settle on one way of being.

This poem by Herman Hesse is a good example of German poetry. It has its own unique style and explores themes of transience, longing, and the human condition. It offers a contemplative perspective on life's struggles and the desire for permanence. The poem's structure, imagery, and use of language can all contribute to its overall quality and impact on German poetry.

We have not been granted a being. We are only a current, We flow willingly into all forms: Into day, into night, into the cave and into the cathedral, We pass through, we are driven by the thirst for being.

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Evening

by Friedrich Schiller

‘Evening’ by Friedrich Schiller contains a speaker’s plea to Apollo that he allow the sun to set and rest, and love to descend.

This poem demonstrates the rich literary tradition of German language and culture, capturing universal themes through nuanced expressions, and showcasing the poetic prowess of writers like Friedrich von Schiller. This poem exemplifies the poet's mastery of poetic techniques and the depth of thought that characterize German poetry, cementing its place in the history of German poetry.

Oh! thou bright-beaming god, the plains are thirsting,

Thirsting for freshening dew, and man is pining;

Wearily move on thy horses--

Let, then, thy chariot descend!

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Theme: Death

Emotion: Fear

Topics: Flowers, Life

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Stages

by Hermann Hesse

‘Stages’ by Hermann Hesse describes how death is only a stage through which one progresses during life. The speaker wants death to be embraced.

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A Swarm Of Gnats

by Hermann Hesse

‘A Swarm Of Gnats’ by Hermann Hesse is a devastating poem that presents a group of insects as a compelling foil for humanity.

Hermann Hesse was not greatly appreciated for his writings in his time. Yet, today he is one of the most celebrated German writers of the 20th century, having authored such novels as 'Demian' and 'Steppenwolf.' His poetry, as evidenced by this very devastating piece, has the capacity to be just as poignant and brutally honest as his prose.

Many thousand glittering motes

Crowd forward greedily together

In trembling circles.

Extravagantly carousing away

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First They Came

by Pastor Martin Niemöller

‘First They Came’ by Pastor Martin Neimöller is a powerful poem that speaks on the nature of responsibility in times of war and persecution.

As a piece of German literature, the poem is an important cultural document that reflects a moment of intense self-examination for the German people post-World War II. It serves as a reminder and a warning, aimed both at Germany and the world.

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

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Lying in Grass

by Hermann Hesse

‘Lying in Grass’ by Hermann Hesse rallies in opposition to life’s dogged sorrows in favor of relishing its elusive moments of joy.

Hesse was an important German writer whose works, once translated into English, also became immensely popular in the U.S. Many of his novels were adopted by the counterculture movements of the 1960s, while poems like this one remain heart-wrenchingly lucid expressions of existential strife. However, this one is also vastly more optimistic in its depiction than many of his other poems.

Is this everything now, the quick delusions of flowers,

And the down colors of the bright summer meadow,

The soft blue spread of heaven, the bees' song,

Is this everything only a god's

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The Poet

by Hermann Hesse

‘The Poet’ by Hermann Hesse uncovers the bittersweet realities of the poet’s purpose and destiny as a visionary for the world and all those in it.

Hesse was an important German writer whose works, once translated into English, also became immensely popular in the U.S. Many of his novels were adopted by counterculture movements in the 1960s, while poems like this one reveal his adoration of art as a balm for life's sufferings.

Only on me, the lonely one,

The unending stars of the night shine,

The stone fountain whispers its magic song,

To me alone, to me the lonely one

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The Sea Hath Its Pearls

by Heinrich Heine

Heine’s ‘The Sea Hath Its Pearls’ likens love to pearls and stars, expressing its vastness and beauty greater than the sea or heaven.

Though not the most famous of German poets, Heinrich Heine continues to be influential and his work was popular at the time of its publication. 'The Sea Hath Its Pearls' is representative of a type of German lyricism in the 19th century.

The sea hath its pearls,

The heaven hath its stars;

But my heart, my heart,

My heart hath its love.

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At Night On The High Seas

by Hermann Hesse

‘At Night On The High Sea’ by Hermann Hesse is a bleak but beautiful poem about finding yourself separated from the ones you love, grappling with its strange harmony amidst fears of being forsaken.

A widely celebrated German writer who is best known for his many novels, including 'Demian' and 'Steppenwolf,' Hesse was also a prolific poet. In the decades since his death, his works have enjoyed international renown, exploring a variety of existential themes. These include the individual's search for meaning and identity, as well as spirituality in the face of tragedy.

At night, when the sea cradles me

And the pale star gleam

Lies down on its broad waves,

Then I free myself wholly

#10

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How Heavy The Days

by Hermann Hesse

‘How Heavy The Days’ by Hermann Hesse is a gloomy poem that illustrates the overbearing disillusionment shouldered by a heartbroken speaker.

Hermann Hesse was a renowned German writer who is best known for his many novels, including 'Demian' and 'Steppenwolf.' But his poetry was also greatly appreciated and well-known for touching on a variety of essential themes, such as the individual's search for meaning and identity, as well as spirituality in the face of tragedy.

How heavy the days are.

There's not a fire that can warm me,

Not a sun to laugh with me,

Everything bare,

#11

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Lonesome Night

by Hermann Hesse

‘Lonesome Night’ by Hermann Hesse is a deeply melancholic poem that paints a portrait of overwhelming loneliness and despair.

Hermann Hesse was a famous German writer whose works, though not greatly appreciated in his time, became immensely popular in the decades after his death. Chief among these were novels like 'Demian' and 'Steppenwolf,' but his many poems also earned renewed renown. Part of this is owed to his lucid portrayals of human experiences, particularly in regard to our search for meaning within a world bombarded by anguish.

You brothers, who are mine,

Poor people, near and far,

Longing for every star,

Dream of relief from pain,

#12

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I Know, You Walk—

by Hermann Hesse

‘I Know, You Walk—’ by Hermann Hesse is a foreboding poem that depicts a nightly encounter between a troubled speaker and the visage of a person they dread running into you.

Hermann Hesse was a German writer who is perhaps best known for his many novels and their exploration of the tragic lives of various individuals. These could be just as depressing as they were uplifting. His poetry is no different in its alternations, delving into the very depths of human suffering and anguish while also presenting sublime moments of hope.

I walk so often, late, along the streets,

Lower my gaze, and hurry, full of dread,

Suddenly, silently, you still might rise

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On A Journey

by Hermann Hesse

‘On A Journey’ by Hermann Hesse is a poem that seeks to provide both comfort and solace to those who find themselves demoralized by life’s journeys.

Hermann Hesse was a famous German poet known for both his novels and poetry. He published a number of now-famous works in his lifetime, one of his most revered being 'Steppenwolf.' When it comes to his poetry, many of the collections that contain his work were published posthumously and enjoyed renewed appreciation in translation into English.

Don't be downcast, soon the night will come,

When we can see the cool moon laughing in secret

Over the faint countryside,

And we rest, hand in hand.

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Thinking Of A Friend At Night

by Hermann Hesse

‘Thinking Of A Friend At Night’ imagines, with a mixture of anxiety and hope, the current whereabouts of a friend fighting in World War One.

Many of Hesse's poems were translated in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a revived appreciation for his works in places like the United States. These translations have allowed English readers a chance to engage with the German poet's elegantly truthful and vivid verse. He might be renowned for his prose but to overlook his poetry is to miss out on some of his most heart-wrenching writing.

In this evil year, autumn comes early… I walk by night in the field, alone, the rain clatters, The wind on my hat…And you? And you, my friend?

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14 Must-Read German Poems

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14 Must-Read German Poems

by Hermann Hesse

by Friedrich Schiller

by Hermann Hesse

by Hermann Hesse

by Pastor Martin Niemöller

by Hermann Hesse

by Hermann Hesse

by Heinrich Heine

by Hermann Hesse

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