Auf dem See

poem by Goethe

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June 18, 2026

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"Auf dem See" (On the Lake) is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a prominent figure in German literature. The poem was written in 1775 during a boat trip in Switzerland, a journey undertaken as Goethe grappled with personal and professional decisions. This period was marked by intense creativity, influenced by his intellectual awakening and his engagement with the Sturm und Drang literary movement. The poem captures a moment of reflection during his travels, showcasing Goethe's profound connection to nature and his introspective style.2

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Sturm und Drang (1770–76) of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
…Goethe’s most perfect poems, “Auf dem See” (“On the Lake”), and was followed by a walking tour through the mountains, with Goethe sketching all the time. Up on St. Gotthard Pass he contemplated the road down to Italy but turned away toward Lili and home.
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…Goethe’s most perfect poems, “Auf dem See” (“On the Lake”), and was followed by a walking tour through the mountains, with Goethe sketching all the time. Up on St. Gotthard Pass he contemplated the road down to Italy but turned away toward Lili and home.
Read More