Erzählungen

Erzählung is a term in German literary studies for a prose narrative. It denotes a narrative shorter than a novel but longer than a mere anecdote, though exact lengths vary by era and critic. The form emphasizes a concentrated plot, a small cast of characters, and a pivotal moment, mood, or psychological insight. The plural Erzählungen can refer to a single work published as a collection or to a collection of several independent stories. Distinctions include Kurzgeschichte, Erzählung, and Novelle.

Historically, the Erzählung established itself in German-language literature in the 18th and 19th centuries as a versatile narrative form influenced by Romanticism and Realism. Leading practitioners include Theodor Storm, Gottfried Keller, and E. T. A. Hoffmann, who explored concise plots, sharp character portraits, and sometimes fantastical or ironic elements. In the 20th century, writers such as Heinrich Böll and Günter Grass continued to use the form to examine society and human experience in compact doses.

Characteristics include a tightly controlled plot, limited setting, and a focus on psychological or moral insight. The narration often relies on precise description, a selective point of view, and episodic structure linked by a single incident or turning point. Endings may be open or suggestive, inviting interpretation rather than concluding with comprehensive explanations. Language is typically economical and deliberate, prioritizing effect over expansive exposition.

Relation to other forms: Erzählung sits between Kurzgeschichte and Novelle in German literary taxonomy. In English, it is commonly translated as short story or narrative, depending on context. The term also labels collections of such writings, e.g., Erzählungen by various authors. The form remains a central vehicle for German-language authors to condense experience into precise, meaningful moments.