Grimmelshausen Prize


Grimmelshausen Prize is a literary prize in Germany, which is awarded since 1993 on every two years. The prize is named after Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen, author of Simplicius Simplicissimus, a famous German book. The prize money is €10,000, the prize cannot be split.
The award is given to authors who, “in the previous six years, have made a remarkable contribution to the artistic examination of contemporary history through a narrative work”.

Structures

The founders are the cities of Gelnhausen and Renchen and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. It is not possible to apply for the prize. A three-member jury of experts, each elected for a term of six years, decides on the award.
It is presented annually, alternating between Gelnhausen and Renchen, by the mayor of the respective city at a public ceremony, which was first held in Renchen in 1993. The costs incurred are covered by the city in which the prize is awarded. Since 2003, the Grimmelshausen Prize has also been awarded to authors who are not yet established.

Laureates