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.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Literat' (literary figure) is closely related to 'die Literatur' (literature). A 'Literat' is a person who deals with literature professionally and at a high level.
EXAMPLE
Er ist nicht nur Autor, sondern auch ein anerkannter Literat und Kritiker.
He is not only an author, but also a recognized literary figure and critic.
Register and style
The term 'Literat' (literary figure) is formal and is often used to describe a person with high intellectual or artistic standards. It emphasizes analytical and critical engagement with literature.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion wurde von führenden Literaten des Landes geprägt.
The discussion was shaped by the country's leading literary figures.
Typical collocations
'Literat' (literary figure) is often combined with adjectives that highlight the status or importance of the person. Typical phrases are 'ein bedeutender Literat' (an important literary figure), 'ein bekannter Literat' (a well-known literary figure), or 'ein einflussreicher Literat' (an influential literary figure).
EXAMPLE
Günter Grass war ein international bekannter deutscher Literat.
Günter Grass was an internationally known German literary figure.
Compare with
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.
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.