Poetik

Poetik is the German term for poetics, the study of poetic forms, principles, and structures. It examines how language, rhythm, imagery, and thematic elements combine to produce meaning and aesthetic effect in poetry. The discipline covers the analysis of poem composition as well as the underlying theories that guide the creation and interpretation of poetic works.

The word derives from the German noun „Poetik“, itself borrowed from the French term “poétique,” which is a corruption of the Latin “poetics.” The Latin root traces back to the Greek “poikētikē,” meaning the art of painting, indicating an early theoretical approach to the arts more generally. The German usage emphasizes both practical composition and the systematic study of poetic conventions.

In academic contexts, Poetik is taught in university literature departments and is often integrated into broader courses on literary theory and comparative literature. The field draws on classical theories such as Aristotle’s Poetics, medieval scholastic traditions, and modern analytic methods. Scholars examine models of verse, meter, enjambment, and other formal devices, while also addressing notions of authorial intent, reader response, and the socio-cultural function of poetry.

Poetik is closely related to literary criticism, rhetoric, and the broader study of aesthetics. While specific terminology and methodological approaches may differ across linguistic traditions, the core concerns of how poetic language is structured, interpreted, and evaluated remain consistent. The discipline continues to evolve through interdisciplinary research and comparative studies within global literary traditions.