Erzählkompetenz

Erzählkompetenz, also known as narrative competence, refers to an individual’s ability to understand, interpret, and produce coherent and meaningful narratives. This cognitive and communicative skill encompasses both the comprehension of stories—whether in literature, film, or everyday conversation—and the capacity to construct narratives oneself. Erzählkompetenz is considered a fundamental aspect of human cognition, influencing how people process information, form identities, and engage socially.

The concept draws from various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and education. In linguistics, narrative competence involves recognizing narrative structures such as plot, characters, setting, and causality. Psychologically, it plays a role in memory formation, as stories help organize and retain experiences. In educational contexts, developing Erzählkompetenz is seen as crucial for literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

Research suggests that Erzählkompetenz develops through exposure to diverse narratives, both in formal settings like schools and informal ones such as family storytelling. It is also linked to broader cognitive abilities, including theory of mind—the ability to attribute mental states to others—and executive functioning, which governs planning and problem-solving. Deficits in narrative competence have been observed in individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, where difficulties in understanding social cues and structured storytelling may arise.

Enhancing Erzählkompetenz often involves active engagement with narratives, such as reading, writing, discussing stories, or participating in creative storytelling exercises. Programs in education increasingly incorporate narrative-based learning to foster empathy, analytical skills, and effective communication. Overall, Erzählkompetenz is a dynamic skill that bridges personal experience and shared understanding, shaping how individuals navigate and interpret the world around them.