Lehrhafte

Lehrhaft is a German adjective meaning didactic or instructional, describing works or styles that aim to teach a lesson or convey moral, ethical, or practical guidance. The word combines Lehr (to teach) with haft (bearing or tending toward). In English, lehrhaft is commonly translated as didactic or instructional, though it can carry a nuance of moralizing.

In literary and artistic usage, lehrhaft describes works whose primary purpose is to educate the reader or viewer, often through explicit exposition of moral or civic lessons. Historically, the term has been associated with didactic traditions in German literature, notably during the Enlightenment when literature was considered a tool for public improvement. Related concepts such as Lehrdichtung or Lehrstück refer to didactic poetry or drama that foregrounds instruction over entertainment. The tone is often earnest and straightforward, but it is sometimes criticized as overly sermonizing.

In modern usage, lehrhaft can describe textbooks, instructional films, or narrative fiction designed to impart knowledge or values. The term is generally neutral but may carry a pejorative sense if the work is perceived as heavy-handed or preachy. Distinctions exist with lehrreich, which emphasizes informative value without a strong moralizing aim, whereas lehrhaft stresses pedagogical or moral intent.

See also: didactic literature, Lehrdichtung, Lehrstück.