This introduction to German poetry of the 17th century provides an overview of the social and literary historical conditions of German Baroque poetry. It presents the Baroque system of rules and describes the variety of forms within this poetry. The focus is on a historical overview of the development of German poetry from Martin Opitz, the Silesian poets around Hoffmannswaldau and Lohenstein, to Johann Christian Günther. Selling points: A standard work in a new edition. The interpretation of Baroque poems is often a topic in upper secondary education and undergraduate studies.