The workshop gives participants the opportunity to receive informed feedback on their submitted projects and to discuss different aspects and challenges of literary translation with the group.

The workshop is open to all source languages. It focuses on the challenges of translation, translating through a third language such as English, and the question of what is lost—and what may be gained—in the process.

The aim is to help participants make concrete progress with their own translations. They will work on current projects throughout the workshop, complemented by thematic sessions and ample space for exchange.

Requirements

The workshop is intended for emerging literary translators who already have some translation experience and would like to exchange ideas and feedback—ideally while working on a specific current project. Previous publications are welcome but not required.

Source languages: All languages welcome
Target language: German
Number of participants: Maximum 12

Registration

Register by 28 August 2026 by emailing info@elk-festival.com. Please include your first name, surname, pronouns, languages and contact details.

About the Workshop Leaders

Larissa Bender is a literary translator from Arabic, journalist, lecturer in Arabic and German, moderator and workshop facilitator. In 2018, she was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her work as a bridge-builder to the Arab world. In 2025, she received Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding.

Sabine Müller translates from Indonesian and English and works as an editor for online and print media as well as a lecturer in Indonesian. She studied social and cultural anthropology, Malay studies and sociology in Cologne, and Indonesian at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.