world literature
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world literature
The body of literary works that are recognized across national and linguistic boundaries as especially valuable culturally or artistically.
Goethes „Faust“ ist ein unbestrittener Klassiker der Weltliteratur.
Goethe's 'Faust' is an undisputed classic of world literature.
The word is a simple compound of 'Welt' (world) and 'Literatur' (literature). It therefore describes literature that has global significance.
Im Studium haben wir uns mit der Geschichte der Weltliteratur beschäftigt.
At university, we studied the history of world literature.
Common formulations are 'ein Klassiker der Weltliteratur' (a classic of world literature), 'zur Weltliteratur gehören' (to belong to world literature), or 'ein Werk der Weltliteratur' (a work of world literature).
Shakespeares Dramen gehören unbestritten zur Weltliteratur.
Shakespeare's plays undeniably belong to world literature.
When speaking generally about this literary field, 'Weltliteratur' (world literature) is often used without an article, similar to 'Kunst' (art) or 'Musik' (music).
Er interessiert sich sehr für Weltliteratur und liest Autoren aus vielen Ländern.
He is very interested in world literature and reads authors from many countries.
The word 'Weltliteratur' (world literature) is used mainly in an educated, cultural, or academic context, for example at school, at university, or in book reviews.
Die Professorin hielt einen Vortrag über die wichtigsten Epochen der Weltliteratur.
The professor gave a lecture on the most important periods of world literature.
literature
'die Literatur' and 'die Weltliteratur' both talk about written works with artistic value, for example novels, poems, or dramas. 'Literatur' is the general term and can mean works from a language, a country, a time period, or an author. 'Weltliteratur' is more specific: it refers to works that are considered especially important or valuable across borders. The words can be confused because world literature is part of literature. If you are talking generally about books and literary texts, 'Literatur' fits. If you mean major, internationally known works, 'Weltliteratur' is a better fit.
Dieser Roman gehört für viele Leser zur Weltliteratur.
For many readers, this novel is part of world literature.
Nach dem Unterricht sprechen wir über moderne Literatur aus Deutschland.
After class, we talk about modern literature from Germany.