Low German writing competition: The best stories chosen!

Low German writing competition: The best stories chosen!

Today the best stories from the 37th Low German writing competition "Vertell noch mal" were presented in Hamburg's Ohnsorg Theater. The competition, which has been organized by NDR, Radio Bremen and the Ohnsorg Theater for over 30 years, has the motto “Mit’nanner” this year. At the gala, which was moderated by Ilka Brüggemann and Yared Dibaba, the five best stories were awarded prizes. The authors were able to look forward to book publications and cash prizes; a total of 2,850 euros was awarded, which was distributed among the various places.

The winning stories

The first place winner is Felicitas Schröder from Hamburg, who thrilled the audience with her story “Fohrgemeenschop”. Her topic highlights fleeting moments and encounters on the S-Bahn as well as the often lack of compassion in society and was honored with prize money of 1,500 euros.

Kai Bruhn from Halstenbek secured second place with the story “Treckt sik na’t Lief”, where he discusses the consolation gift of a handmade piece of clothing and its symbolism for a long-term relationship. For this he received 1,000 euros.

Birgit Waterloh won the bidding for third place. Her story "De Schree" is about birth, loss and the complex feelings of mother's love and was rewarded with 800 euros.

Bernd Großmann also came in fourth place with his story “Lever eensam as gemeensam?”, in which he explores the question of how birds learn. He received 700 euros for this.

The award for fifth place went to Janthe Schröder, whose story "Nie nich to oolt" (an older lady's journey to the demonstration) vividly describes cross-generational coexistence. There was 500 euros for this.

A competition with tradition

A total of an impressive 700 stories were submitted, making the competition an important cultural event in northern Germany. Since its founding in 1988, "Vertell Doch mal" has collected over 40,000 Low German stories and every year the best are published in a book. This year's compilation includes all 25 nominated stories that will appear in the new "Vertell Doch mal" book.

A special incentive for participation comes from the inclusion of a prominent ambassador. This year, the charming Enie van de Meiklokjes was appointed ambassador, which added extra sparkle to the competition.

Outlook for 2026

The new motto “Kuddelmuddel!” has already been set for next year. firmly. Interested authors can submit their stories again from January 2026. More detailed information about the conditions of participation and deadlines will then be published. So if you have a good knack for writing, you shouldn't miss this competition.

The winners, selected by an independent jury of experts, ensure that the next generation of writers is also encouraged. The mixture of tradition and new interpretation shows the great potential that lies in the Low German language. Because even if it is a regional competition, it still binds people together through a common language.

A successful evening that shows how creative and diverse coexistence is in Northern Germany!

For more information about the competition and future events, it's worth taking a look at the website daily news, NDR and Cultural awards.