german language philosophy

does anyone know any good introductory books to german philosophy/ philosophy written in german?

I ask because I am interested in Nietsche and Kafka, and I will be starting German next year (with french- so if anyone can help with french I would also be interested)

Reply 1

SiaSiaSia

16

Woahyou've been accepted to Cambridge already? (non-related question)

Reply 2

yellowwdaisy

OP

1

SiaSiaSia

Woahyou've been accepted to Cambridge already? (non-related question)

yeah... last january
I got a place for deferred entry and I'm currently on a Gap year
I think (for me at least) everyone in Cambridge hears whether they got an offer on the same date (usually 3rd of Jan or so) regarless of their subject

Reply 3

joth

Rather than a specific introduction, the most useful thing might be to read the original works (in English translation) - both Nietzsche and Kafka are very readable and interesting. For other introductions, there are quite a few; have a look in the library, see what they have.
Other great German philosophers, if a bit less accessible are Frege, Kant and Wittgenstein; might be worth looking them up as well.

Reply 4

yellowwdaisy

OP

1

joth

Rather than a specific introduction, the most useful thing might be to read the original works (in English translation) - both Nietzsche and Kafka are very readable and interesting. For other introductions, there are quite a few; have a look in the library, see what they have.
Other great German philosophers, if a bit less accessible are Frege, Kant and Wittgenstein; might be worth looking them up as well.

which works do you suggest?

Reply 5

joth

yellowwdaisy

which works do you suggest?

For Kafka, The Trial and Metamorphosis are probably a fairly representative sample. For Nietzsche, try Thus Spake Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil.

For Frege, The Foundations of Arithmetic are a great summary of many aspects of his philosophy, and is a great book to read.

I'm not too familiar with Kant and others - in fact, it might be worth getting a general guide anyway, which can give you a more expert opinion about the most important works of each.

Reply 6

FadedJade

15

Those are good works to try, I'm not sure about the Frege though tbh. I'd have a read of those before you move onto Kant etc.

You can get a copy of Wittgenstein's Tractatus where on all the left hand pages its written in English and on the right hand pages in German. That's pretty interesting if you want to read something actually in German - although I warn you, the Tractatus isnt an easy read!

german language philosophy

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