Academic work from 2025 in the field of German Studies - Modern German Literature, Language: German. Abstract: The text illustrates the relevance of antisemitism for the character constellation and the plot of the play "Nathan the Wise." Based on this, considerations are made on how the play could be taught within the framework of antisemitism prevention in German classes.

Lessing's "Nathan the Wise" still belongs to the classic readings of the upper secondary school curriculum today. The reasons for this are certainly diverse, but a significant one is its perceived "timeless" relevance. This is also indicated by the common teaching models for German classes, whose didactic core aim remains to convey the Enlightenment message of tolerance in the play and the exemplary non-prejudiced behavior of its Jewish main character. However, is this interpretation still contemporary today—after Auschwitz and in times of rampant antisemitism? Does the positive reference to tolerance and Enlightenment not contradict the scientific insights into the darker sides and the dialectic of the Enlightenment? And regarding the content of the play: Is Lessing's drama even of the kind of didactic edifying literature that generations of students have encountered up to this day?.