The Heinrich Mann Prize for literary essays is awarded annually on 27 March to mark the anniversary of the birth of the renowned author. It was first awarded as a literary prize in 1953 by the former Deutsche Akademie der Künste in East Berlin.

The award recipient is selected by an independent jury composed of three members, usually including the previous year’s award holder.

The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros.

Award Recipients

2025

Mely Kiyak

Award Recipients since 1953

2020–2025

2010–2019

2000–2009

1990–1999

1980–1989

1970–1979

1960–1969

1953–1959