How did New Poems differ from earlier German lyric poetry?

Rainer Maria Rilke’s New Poems (Neue Gedichte) marked a significant departure from traditional German lyric poetry through the development of the Ding-Gedicht or "object poem."1

Unlike earlier lyric traditions, which often prioritized subjective expression, Rilke’s new style sought to capture the "plastic essence" of physical objects. These poems functioned as imaginative verbal translations of visual arts, landscapes, and mythological themes, treating subjects with the objective focus of a painter.1

Rilke pushed his language to extremes of refinement and subtlety, effectively creating a distinct art form that stood apart from existing linguistic conventions. Despite this technical focus, the poems remained deeply rooted in emotional and moral engagement, reflecting Rilke’s own method of "making objects out of fear" and his commitment to the "anonymous labor" of artistic creation.1