Ludwig-Börne-Prize


The Ludwig-Börne-Preis is a literary award that is awarded annually by the Frankfurt-based Ludwig-Börne-Stiftung. It is one of the most important of its kind in German-speaking countries.

Objective and methods

In 1993 the banker and publicist Michael Gotthelf established a foundation that annually awards the Ludwig-Börne-Preis to a German-speaking author, acknowledging his or her outstanding performances in the fields of essays, reviews and reportage. Thus, the foundation celebrates the memory of the Frankfurt author, revolutionary democrat and political journalist Ludwig Börne and his works.
A judge is nominated by the foundation board, for the sole responsibility of deciding who will win this award. This judge, moreover, makes a speech in the winner’s honor. The prize is worth 20,000 euros and its presentation takes place in St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt.
In 2010 the foundation for the first time awarded a Börne-medal to Marcel Reich-Ranicki for his lifetimes achievements.

Foundation board

Founder and chairman of Ludwig-Börne-Stiftung is Michael A. Gotthelf. The foundation board is made up of Salomon Korn, Peter Feldmann, Felix Semmelroth, Klaus-Peter Müller, Hubert Burda and Thomas Bellut.

Award winners