Schlegels

Schlegels is a German surname that has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in the Romantic era of German literature. The name is most often associated with the Schlegel brothers, who played a central role in early German Romanticism.

August Wilhelm Schlegel (1767–1845) was a poet, translator, and critic who helped introduce English and French literature to German readers. He contributed to literary theory and criticism and was active in shaping the cultural debates of his time, including work on translating classic plays and expanding German literary culture.

Friedrich Schlegel (1772–1829) was a poet, critic, and philosopher who became a leading figure in Romanticism. He fostered new ideas about art, history, and language, and helped organize and participate in the Romantic circles that influenced European thought in the early 19th century. Together with his brother, he contributed to journals and discussions that defined Romantic aesthetics and criticism.

Beyond the Romantic era, the surname Schlegel has appeared across various fields, including science and the arts, as it spread through German-speaking regions and beyond. Today, Schlegels can refer to individuals bearing the surname or to historical families associated with German literary and intellectual history. The name remains most closely linked to the two Schlegel brothers who helped shape the course of German Romanticism.