PEN-Zentrum Deutschland e.V.

About us

The PEN Centres are committed to literature and freedom of expression in their respective countries. We are represented in over 100 countries, from Senegal to Japan, from Russia to South Africa, from Canada to Chile and from Norway to New Zealand.

First and foremost, the centres must adhere to the ideals of the PEN Charter. However, each centre has its own focus and priorities - for example, campaigning for freedom of expression or pioneering work in education and literacy. Some are leaders in publishing their national literatures or promoting writing in other cultures and languages. They issue publications, organise events, award prestigious literary prizes.
What they all have in common is the fight for the free word, support for persecuted colleagues, many centres maintain exile places and, like the German one, provide concrete support for imprisoned and persecuted people.