Membel
German NOUN C1 Rank 16938

der Literat

literary figure

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Meanings

01

der Literat

literary figure

A person who deals with literature professionally or at a high intellectual level, especially as a writer or literary critic.

example

Thomas Mann gilt als einer der bedeutendsten Literaten des 20. Jahrhunderts.

Thomas Mann is considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century.

Visual example for Literat: der Literat

Usage tips

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near_synonym · confusable

Literat vs Autor

author

'der Autor' and 'der Literat' can both have to do with literature and writing. 'Autor' is the normal and general word for someone who writes and publishes texts. It also works for nonfiction books, articles, or academic texts. 'Literat' sounds more elevated and is more closely connected with literature. It can mean a writer, but also someone who deals very intensively with literature, for example as a critic. The words can be confused when talking about writers. In everyday language, 'Autor' is usually more natural; 'Literat' fits better in cultural or literary contexts.

Visual example for Autor
Literat

Nach dem Vortrag sprach mein Nachbar lange mit einem bekannten Literaten.

After the talk, my neighbor spoke for a long time with a well-known literary figure.

Autor

Emil möchte später Autor werden und Geschichten für Kinder schreiben.

Emil would like to become an author later and write stories for children.

Open full lesson: Autor →

In real life

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