Request for Applications: Translation Funding Programme

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Goethe-Institut Translation Funding Programme supports professional publishers worldwide in translating contemporary German-language literature and selected non-fiction into other languages. Grants typically cover 40–60% of eligible translation costs, up to €8,000 per book, helping German-language authors reach international readers. What Is the Translation Funding Programme? The Goethe-Institut Translation Funding Programme promotes the international distribution of contemporary German-language literature. The programme provides financial assistance to professional publishers that want to translate eligible works originally published in German-speaking countries into another language. The initiative is particularly interested in contemporary German-language authors and works from regions or languages where German literature has previously received limited translation exposure. What Types of Books Are Eligible? The programme supports a broad range of literary and socially relevant works. The programme focuses on literary, cultural, socially relevant, and generally accessible works rather than specialist or commercial categories that fall outside its objectives. Why It Matters Translation funding can reduce one of the major barriers to the international circulation of German-language literature: the cost of professional translation. By supporting publishers with part of these costs, the programme helps: Introduce German-language authors to new audiences Increase international literary exchange Encourage translation into underrepresented languages Promote contemporary German literature abroad Make socially relevant German-language works accessible internationally Strengthen professional relationships between publishers and translators The programme is especially valuable for publishers seeking to introduce German-language works into markets where such literature has historically had limited exposure. How to Apply

Step 1: Select an Eligible German-Language Work

Identify a work originally published in German that fits the programme’s eligible genres and themes. Check that the book is not within one of the excluded categories.

Step 2: Confirm Translation Rights

The publisher should ensure that the necessary rights and permissions are available for the proposed translation and publication.

Step 3: Select a Professional Translator

Choose a qualified translator who will work directly from the original German text. The translator’s full fee must be paid by the publisher before reimbursement of the eligible translation costs.

Step 4: Prepare the Publication Plan

Develop a clear plan covering:

Translation Publication Distribution Target readership Expected publication date Importantly, the book must not be printed before the funding agreement is signed.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Calculate the full translation cost and determine the amount of funding requested. Remember that the programme generally reimburses 40–60% of translation costs, subject to the maximum grant of €8,000 per book.

Step 6: Submit the Application

The publisher, rather than the author or translator, should submit the application and required supporting materials according to the Goethe-Institut’s application procedure.

Step 7: Publish and Receive Reimbursement

Once the funding agreement is in place, the publisher can proceed with the translation and publication according to the approved conditions. Eligible translation costs are reimbursed after publication. Tips for a Strong Application

Choose a clearly eligible work: Check both the genre and subject matter.

Demonstrate publishing experience: Show your track record in quality literature and professional distribution.

Target an appropriate language market: Explain why the translation will reach new international readers.

Use a qualified translator: Ensure the translation is made directly from German.

Prepare an accurate translation budget: Clearly distinguish translation costs from excluded expenses.

Plan the publication timeline carefully: Do not print the book before signing the funding agreement.

Consider underrepresented markets: The programme particularly values international dissemination where German literature has previously had limited translation exposure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Publishers should avoid:

Applying as an individual author or translator. Translating from a language other than the original German. Printing the book before the funding agreement is signed. Requesting funding for licensing, printing, or editorial expenses. Selecting an excluded genre such as a textbook or crime novel. Failing to demonstrate professional publishing and distribution capacity. Assuming the grant pays the translator’s fee upfront. Treating the €8,000 maximum as a guaranteed award rather than the funding ceiling.

Purpose: International translation and dissemination of German-language works

Eligible applicants: Professional international publishers

Funding: Typically 40–60% of translation costs

Maximum: €8,000 per book

Payment: Reimbursement after publication

Translation language: Must be translated from the original German

Authors: Cannot apply directly

Translators: Cannot apply directly

Excluded costs: Licensing, printing, and editorial costs

Publication restriction: Work must not go to print before the funding agreement is signed

Eligible works: Contemporary fiction, poetry, children’s and young adult literature, picture books, comics, graphic novels, selected non-fiction, essays, and general-interest humanities/social science works Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the Goethe-Institut Translation Funding Programme? International professional publishers with a proven record of publishing quality literature and professional distribution channels can apply. Authors and translators cannot apply directly. How much funding can a publisher receive? The programme generally reimburses 40–60% of eligible translation costs, up to a maximum of €8,000 pe