Eisenach’s young literary talent, Elisabeth Lange from Martin-Luther-Gymnasium, has been named the city’s champion in the nationwide reading competition for sixth-grade students. The competition, a celebration of reading and comprehension, took place on Wednesday, February 25th, at the Stadtbibliothek Eisenach im Hellgrevenhof. This year marked the 29th Stadtentscheid, where seven students – one boy and six girls – competed after qualifying through classroom and school-level rounds.
The annual Vorlesewettbewerb, designed to foster a love of books and strengthen reading skills, challenges students not only in their ability to read aloud but similarly in their interpretation and selection of text. Like figure skating, the competition features both a required and a free-choice component, allowing students to showcase their diverse reading preferences and skills. The Stadtbibliothek Eisenach is responsible for organizing the event, and a jury of local figures evaluates the participants.
Lange captivated the judges with her reading of an excerpt from “Das Geheimnis von Darkmoor Hall” (The Secret of Darkmoor Hall) by Nina Scheweling. The competition also required students to read an unfamiliar passage from Marie Hüttner’s “Ist Oma noch zu retten?” (Can Grandma Still Be Saved?). The jury’s decision highlighted Lange’s skill in both selecting engaging material and delivering a compelling performance.
The judging panel included Ingo Wachtmeister, the Hauptamtliche Beigeordnete (Chief Administrative Officer) of the city of Eisenach, Annette Backhaus, the Kinderbürgermeisterin (Children’s Mayor), Gisela Büchner from the Förderverein Stadtbibliothek Eisenach e.V. (Friends of the Stadtbibliothek Eisenach), Susanne Fink representing the Staatliches Schulamt Westthüringen (State School Authority of West Thuringia), and Djuana Mannel from Wartburgradio. The competition operates under the patronage of the Federal President of Germany.
Promoting Literacy and a Love of Reading
The Vorlesewettbewerb aims to ignite enthusiasm for books, enhance children’s reading competence, broaden their horizons, and foster openness to new ideas. Approximately 650 regional competitions take place across Germany, providing a platform for young readers to shine. All participants receive a certificate and a copy of “Rocky Winterfeld” by Marie Hüttner. Lange’s victory qualifies her for the Bezirksentscheid (district competition), with further stages leading to the Länderebene (state level) and culminating in the Bundesfinale (national final) in June 2026.
A Collaborative Effort to Support Young Readers
The competition is supported by the Stiftung Bildung und Soziales der Sparda-Bank Baden-Württemberg, the Sparda-Bank Hessen, the Gewinn-Sparverein der Sparda-Bank München e.V., and the Sparda Bank Hamburg, demonstrating a commitment to fostering educational opportunities at the regional level. Students from the Pestalozzischule, along with those from two Regelschulen (comprehensive schools), the Staatliche Gemeinschaftsschule (state cooperative school), and Eisenach’s three Gymnasien (grammar schools) participated in the Stadtentscheid.
The Stadtbibliothek Eisenach plays a crucial role in nurturing a reading culture within the community. The library provides resources and a welcoming environment for young readers to explore the world of literature. The annual reading competition is just one example of the library’s dedication to promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
Elisabeth Lange’s success is a testament to her dedication to reading and her ability to connect with an audience through the power of storytelling. Her achievement highlights the importance of fostering a love of reading in young people and providing them with opportunities to develop their literacy skills. As she prepares for the next stage of the competition, Lange serves as an inspiration to aspiring readers throughout Eisenach and beyond.
The next step for Elisabeth Lange is the Bezirksentscheid, where she will compete against other city champions from the region. The date and location of the Bezirksentscheid have not yet been announced, but anticipation is building as she prepares to represent Eisenach on a larger stage. The continued success of the Vorlesewettbewerb underscores the enduring value of reading and its power to shape young minds.
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