The Oxford German Network are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s ‘A German Classic’- our annual essay competition for sixth-form students. This year we would like to invite you to read with the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque’s (1898 – 1970), regarded by some as one of the greatest (anti-) war novels of all time.

We have put together a free study pack, including a set of multimedia materials, that will help you delve into this fascinating text. We will guide you through topics ranging from the novel’s first person narrator Paul Bäumer, to depictions of nature and a disconnect between a younger and an older generation.

We also encourage all students interested in entering the competition to sign up for a free study pack (including the physical book in both German and English) by 12 noon on 1st July via this link.

Up to three prizes will be awarded: For the essay competition, we will award a first prize of £500, a second prize of £300, and a third prize of £100 (Prizes may be awarded jointly, in which case the prize money will be split). Prizes will only be awarded if work is of sufficient merit. All entrants will receive a Prize Certificate or a Certificate of Participation.

All details about eligibility, study packs, essay questions, submission, judging criteria and more, can be found here.

The deadline for submission is 12 noon on Wednesday 9th September 2026.

If you have any questions, please email the Prize Coordinator Marlene Schilling at germanclassic@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk.