Erzählziele

Erzählziele, a German term, translates to "narrative goals" or "storytelling objectives." It refers to the underlying purposes and intentions a storyteller, whether an author, filmmaker, or speaker, aims to achieve through their narrative. These goals can be diverse and often work in conjunction with one another.

Common Erzählziele include informing the audience by presenting facts or explaining a concept, entertaining through amusement, suspense, or emotional engagement, and persuading by advocating for a particular viewpoint or action. Another significant Erzählziel is to educate or impart moral lessons, guiding the audience's understanding and behavior. Sometimes, the goal is simply to evoke a specific emotional response, such as joy, sadness, or fear, without a more explicit message.

The effectiveness of a narrative is often judged by how well it achieves its Erzählziele. Identifying these objectives helps both creators and audiences understand the deeper meaning and impact of a story. For instance, a historical novel might have the Erzählziel of educating readers about a specific era while simultaneously entertaining them with a compelling plot. A political speech will likely have the Erzählziel of persuading the audience to support a certain policy. Recognizing these narrative goals allows for a more critical and insightful interpretation of any form of storytelling.