by Matt Griffin
Members of ATA’s German Language Division (GLD) and its local chapter, the New York Circle of Translators met up at a Stammtisch on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Manhattan. At the informal meeting, members were able to catch up with each other, share about their work, and learn about other activities in the world of translation. The day ended with an awards ceremony for literary translators at Goethe-Institut New York. A number of topics of broader interest were discussed:
– The realization of a conference in the spring of 2027 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the German Language Division.
– The GLD’s distinguished speaker for ATA 67 will be award-winning German-to-English translator Michael Hofmann who will hold two sessions at the conference taking place from Oct. 28 to 31 in San Francisco. Registration will open in late June. Note: The earlier you register, the more you save!
– NYCT is hosting events this summer such as the International Translators Day on Saturday, September 26. Stay tuned!
– The GLD is also seeking suggestions for speakers and topics for the GLD 30th Anniversary Jubilee Conference in spring 2027. Please write to Karen at: mail@leubetranslation.com
Members also spoke about the activities of the American Council on Germany (ACG). ACG is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization founded in 1952 to strengthen German-American relations and the transatlantic partnership. Be sure to sign up for their emails – it’s a great way to keep up with political news and learn more about their events, which are open to the public, often at no charge.
Kaffeeklatsch (from left): Regina Geffner, Karen Leube, Renate Stein, Matt Griffin, Liz Herron-Sweet, and Randal Gernaat at a Stammtisch on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Translators Honored at Goethe-Institut New York
There was a special treat in the evening of June 10, 2026, when two prizes for German literary translation were awarded at a ceremony at Goethe-Institut New York: The Helen & Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize and the Gutekunst Prize of the Friends of Goethe New York.
Goethe-Institut New York executive director Jörg Schumacher welcomed guests at this year’s awards ceremony and acknowledged the support of the Friends of Goethe New York, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and the German Consulate General New York.
Goethe-Institut New York literature & translation manager Dean Whiteside emceed the evening that included statements from jury members Alta L. Price (Gutekunst), Shelley Frisch (chair Wolff) and Philip Boehm (Wolff), as well as readings and acceptance speeches by the winners. “I always know when the weather in New York starts to get hot and sticky,” he added. “It’s time for the annual Helen and Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize.”
Max Lawton, winner of the 2026 Helen & Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize.