Collection: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Prints

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) is the central figure of German literature: poet, novelist, playwright, scientist and minister at the court of Weimar. Faust, The Sorrows of Young Werther and the lyric poems gave German its most quoted lines, and many are short enough to carry a wall on their own.

Most prints here carry the German original only, with the English translation on the product page. A few are best known in English and appear that way. The restrained typography suits studies, reading corners and hallways, and makes a considered gift for a German speaker or a student of the language.

Three to start with

• Ohne Hast, aber ohne Rast (Without haste, but without rest)
• Es irrt der Mensch, so lang er strebt (Man errs as long as he strives), from Faust
• Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh (Over all the peaks there is peace)

Questions people ask

Are these really Goethe's words? Nearly all are traced to a specific work or letter and marked high confidence on the product page. Lines that circulate under his name without a clear source are marked medium or disputed.

How does the download work? Choose a design and a size, pay once, and receive a print-ready PDF with embedded vector type. Print at home or at a print shop.

Which sizes are available? Eight, from 5 x 7 inches to 24 x 36 inches, plus A4.