Literature · 1749–1832
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Poet, novelist, scientist and statesman — Germany's Shakespeare and the namesake of the Goethe-Institut.
Über allen Gipfeln / Ist Ruh'
Over all the hilltops / is peace. (Wandrers Nachtlied, public domain)
Vocabulary
- der Gipfel — summit
- die Ruhe — calm
- wandern — to hike
Why it matters
Goethe helped create the idea of 'world literature' — Weltliteratur — reading beyond national borders.
Reflect
What place gives you a sense of Ruhe?
Try it · A1–A2
Write one sentence: 'Ich finde Ruhe in/am …'