This introduction presents all areas of modern German literary studies in one volume. It explains fundamental literary terms and introduces the epochs from the early modern period to the present, as well as the three main literary genres. Furthermore, it provides an overview of rhetoric and poetics, as well as literary stylistics. Another chapter offers insights into theoretical questions, approaches, and methods in literature. Finally, it also presents editorial philological procedures and work techniques for literary studies. The book features a two-color design with definitions, timelines, example interpretations, and exercises. For the fourth edition, the volume has been completely revised and updated; the chapter on contemporary literature has been expanded, and the theory chapter has been entirely reorganized.