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Wolfgang Werth, former SZ literary editor, dies at 88

other · 2026-04-27

Wolfgang Werth, a prominent German literary editor, has died at the age of 88. He fled East Germany, was associated with the influential literary group Gruppe 47 during its US tour, had a public dispute with writer Peter Handke, and led the literature section of the Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) for nearly three decades.

Key facts

  • Wolfgang Werth died at age 88.
  • He fled the German Democratic Republic (DDR).
  • He was part of the Gruppe 47's US tour.
  • He had a dispute with Peter Handke.
  • He led the literature editorial department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung for almost 30 years.

Entities

Artists

  • Wolfgang Werth
  • Peter Handke

Institutions

  • Gruppe 47
  • Süddeutsche Zeitung

Locations

  • Germany
  • United States

Sources