Elias Hirschl is on the longlist for the German Book Prize

Austrian author Elias Hirschl has been named a contender for the prestigious German Book Prize 2026. His novel, "Schleifen," published by Paul Zsolnay Verlag, secured him a spot on the 20-title longlist, which was announced on Tuesday.

Hirschl is in esteemed company, with other notable authors on the longlist including Helene Bukowski for "Wer möchte nicht im Leben bleiben," Franziska Gänsler for "Orca," Ingo Schulze for "Das Wasser im August," and Heinz Strunk for "Memories of Heidelberg." A total of 106 German-language publishers submitted 180 novels for consideration this year.

The next stage will see the announcement of a six-title shortlist on September 8. The ultimate winner will be revealed on October 5, traditionally just before the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair) opens. The German Book Prize carries a total purse of 37,500 Euros, with the main prize winner receiving 25,000 Euros and the other shortlisted authors each getting 2,500 Euros. Last year's award went to Swiss author Dorothee Elmiger for her novel "Die Holländerinnen."