der  Literaturkritiker

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/lɪtɛʁaˈtuːɐ̯kʁɪtɪkɐ/

📖 What exactly is a Literaturkritiker?

A der Literaturkritiker is a male person who professionally or as an expert engages in the evaluation and review of literary works (books, poems, etc.). He analyzes, interprets, and judges literature, often in the form of reviews for newspapers, magazines, blogs, or other media.

The female form is die Literaturkritikerin.

It's a specific job title within the cultural field.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the microscope: Der Literaturkritiker

The word "Literaturkritiker" is a masculine noun. It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

Example Sentences:

• Der bekannte Literaturkritiker veröffentlichte eine vernichtende Rezension. (The famous literary critic published a scathing review.)
• Die Meinung des renommierten Literaturkritikers wird hoch geschätzt. (The opinion of the renowned literary critic is highly valued.)
• Viele Autoren fürchten das Urteil der einflussreichen Literaturkritiker. (Many authors fear the judgment of the influential literary critics.)
• Wir haben den Literaturkritiker zu einer Podiumsdiskussion eingeladen. (We invited the literary critic to a panel discussion.)

✍️ When and how to use Literaturkritiker?

The term "Literaturkritiker" is used to denote a person whose main task or expertise is the professional analysis and evaluation of literature.

• Context: Mostly in cultural or journalistic settings, e.g., in the arts section (Feuilleton) of newspapers, in specialist journals, literary programs, or online portals.
• Differentiation: A Literaturkritiker is more specialized than a general critic or reviewer (Rezensent). They differ from a literary scholar (Literaturwissenschaftler), whose focus is primarily on research and teaching, although the boundaries can be fluid.
• Connotation: Can be neutral, respectful (e.g., "renommierter Literaturkritiker" - renowned literary critic), or critical (e.g., "gefürchteter Literaturkritiker" - feared literary critic), depending on the context.

💡 Mnemonics to remember

Article 'der': Think of typical male professions in German often ending in '-er' (like der Lehrer, der Bäcker, der Kritiker). Since it refers to a male person, the article der is logical.

Meaning: Break down the word: Literatur (literature) + Kritiker (critic). Someone who critically reviews literature. Easy, right? 😉

🔄 Similar and opposite terms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Literaturwissenschaftler (literary scholar, focus on research/teaching) or Lektor (editor, works with authors on texts before publication).

😄 A little joke

Fragt der junge Autor den erfahrenen Literaturkritiker: "Wie fanden Sie mein neues Buch?"

Antwortet der Kritiker: "Ihre Kommasetzung ist revolutionär. Schade, dass der Rest des Buches nicht mithalten kann."

Translation:

The young author asks the experienced literary critic: "What did you think of my new book?"

The critic replies: "Your use of commas is revolutionary. It's a pity the rest of the book couldn't keep up."

📜 A verse about the critic

Der Kritiker, mit spitzer Feder,
durchleuchtet Verse, Szene, Lieder.
Sein Urteil fällt, mal Lob, mal Tadel,
prägt oft den literar'schen Adel.
Er liest genau, sucht Sinn und Schwächen,
um dann sein klares Wort zu sprechen.
Der Literaturkritiker, ein Wächter hier,
im weiten Feld von Buchpapier.

Translation:

The critic, with a pointed pen,
Examines verses, scenes, and then,
His judgment falls, praise or blame,
Often shaping literary fame.
He reads closely, seeks flaws and sense,
To speak his clear word, make recompense.
The literary critic, a guardian near,
In the vast field of book-paper clear.

❓ Who am I? A riddle

Ich lese Bücher Tag und Nacht,
hab' Urteilskraft und scharfe Wacht.
Ich schreib' darüber, was ich denk',
ob's Meisterwerk ist, ob Geschenk,
ob schlecht geschrieben, öd' und leer.
Ich bin ein Mann, mein Urteil schwer.
Wer bin ich, sag es mir geschwind?

Translation:

I read books day and night,
Have judgment and keen sight.
I write about what I think,
If it's a masterpiece, on the brink,
Or poorly written, dull and bare.
I am a man, my judgment's fair (or heavy).
Who am I, tell me fast and true?

Solution: Der Literaturkritiker (The literary critic)

🧩 Other interesting details

Word Composition:

The word "Literaturkritiker" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Literatur: Literature (the body of written works).
• Kritiker: Critic (a person who judges or evaluates).

Famous Literary Critics:

In the German-speaking world, there have been and still are many influential literary critics, such as Marcel Reich-Ranicki, Sigrid Löffler (as a female critic, die Literaturkritikerin), Denis Scheck, or Ijoma Mangold.