Deutsche Schaubühne

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June 25, 2026

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Deutsche Schaubühne was a collection of plays, primarily French translations, published by Johann Christoph Gottsched between 1741 and 1745. Gottsched was a literary theorist and critic who aimed to elevate German literature and theatre by introducing French classical standards. He collaborated with actress Caroline Neuber to transform German theatre from low entertainment into a respected medium for serious literary work. While Gottsched's own plays were considered mediocre, his Deutsche Schaubühne provided the German stage with a repertoire of classical plays, replacing popular improvisations and melodramas. This effort contributed to the standardization of German as a literary language.12

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Johann Christoph Gottsched
Gottsched’s Deutsche Schaubühne, 6 vol. (1741–45; “German Theatre”), containing chiefly translations from the French, provided the German stage with a classical repertory to replace the improvisations and melodramas previously popular. His own dramatic efforts (e.g., Sterbender Cato [1732; “The Dying Cato”]), however, are considered to be…
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Gottsched’s Deutsche Schaubühne, 6 vol. (1741–45; “German Theatre”), containing chiefly translations from the French, provided the German stage with a classical repertory to replace the improvisations and melodramas previously popular. His own dramatic efforts (e.g., Sterbender Cato [1732; “The Dying Cato”]), however, are considered to be…
Read More