Partnerships with the writing competitions lyrix, THEO, and TjA, as well as the Vorlesewettbewerb (Reading Competition), ensure that young people at the international literature festival berlin don’t just sit in the audience — they take the stage, too. The winners of these competitions appear in the Young ilb’s supporting program for selected readings, showcasing their writing and reading talents to audiences often their own age.
lyrix – Bundeswettbewerb für junge Lyrik
… is Germany’s most important competition for young poetry. At its heart lies the encounter with texts and their authors. It offers young people aged 10 to 20 a space to find their poetic voice and to show that poetry is neither outdated nor elitist. Since 2023, the ilb has provided a stage for the lyrix prize winners.
Appearing at the 25th ilb:
Veronika Frank with »Der Papierkorb«
Charlotte Jelinek with »Wirklich wichtige Erkenntnisse der Kindheit«
THEO – Berlin-Brandenburgischer Preis für Junge Literatur
… is an annual writing competition for students up to 20 years old. Submissions may be in any literary form and language. With a new theme each year, the competition invites participants to engage in creative writing. The award ceremony takes place around World Book Day. Since 2008, the THEO award winners have presented their texts at the ilb.
Appearing at the 25th ilb:
Lilli Biller with »trockene lippen«
Jasmina Jayrsz with »Der Himmel wird ausgewrungen«
Anna Wrede with »Alles im Fluss«
Treffen junger Autor*innen (TjA)
… offers young writers a platform to share their texts and perspectives. In a supportive environment, they meet, exchange ideas, and further develop their artistic voice with guidance from experienced authors. Since 2022, emerging writers from TjA have appeared in the Young ilb program.
Appearing at the 25th ilb:
Tonda Montasser with »Wiedererkennungs-Gegenwarten«
Amelie Singla with »Importexport«
Vorlesewettbewerb des Deutschen Buchhandels
… is one of the largest nationwide competitions for students and is held under the patronage of the Federal President. Sixth graders present their favorite books and read excerpts aloud. The competition begins each fall and concludes with the national finals in summer. Since 2023, the winners from Berlin and Brandenburg have also appeared at the ilb, reading excerpts from the festival books.
Appearing at the 25th ilb:
Ayla Uluçam reads from »Himbeereis am Fluss«