Trauma in the Focus of German Studies: 33rd International Conference of the UAG in Lviv
On 25–26 September 2026, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv hosted the 33rd International Conference of the Ukrainian Association of Germanists, entitled “Trauma in the Focus of German Studies: Language, Literature, Culture.”
The conference brought together 110 researchers from Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Poland and Japan for two days of academic exchange on linguistics, literary studies, intercultural communication and German language teaching.
This year’s central theme explored traumatic experiences through the perspectives of language, literature, culture and education. Against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, these questions have become particularly relevant. Language serves not only as a means of communication but also as a tool for preserving memory, processing experiences and strengthening societal resilience.
Andreas Wenninger, Director of the Austrian Cooperation Office Lviv and Ukraine Office Austria, participated in the official opening of the conference. His participation highlighted the importance of long-standing academic cooperation between Austria and Ukraine, continued support for German studies and the development of international research networks, even under the challenging circumstances of war.
The opening ceremony also welcomed representatives of the academic and diplomatic communities, including Dr Robert Müller, Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine, representatives of the German Embassy, Goethe-Institut Ukraine, DAAD, the university leadership and the Ukrainian Association of Germanists.
The academic programme featured six thematic sections, covering trauma, language, discourse and memory; representations of trauma in literature and culture; translation and transcultural mediation; trauma-sensitive teaching and resilience; the transformation of German studies in the context of media, artificial intelligence and society; and interdisciplinary approaches to trauma.
Particular attention was devoted to teaching German during wartime, creating safe learning environments, exploring cultures of remembrance and understanding the role of literature in addressing difficult historical experiences. The programme also included a panel discussion entitled “German in Ukraine – German in Europe,” presentations of educational initiatives and a book presentation.
We are particularly pleased that our Office contributed not only to supporting the conference but also to recognising young talent!
To mark the anniversary of the distinguished Austrian writer Ingeborg Bachmann, an essay competition was organised. The OeAD Cooperation Office Lviv provided book prizes for the competition winners, encouraging engagement with Austrian literature and creative reflection on Bachmann’s literary legacy.
For our Office, this initiative represents another opportunity to foster cultural exchange and promote Austrian literature in Ukraine.
The conference was organised by the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, particularly its Department of Intercultural Communication and Translation Studies and Department of German Philology, together with the Ukrainian Association of Germanists.
The event was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the OeAD Cooperation Office Lviv and Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
We sincerely thank the organisers, speakers and all participants for their insightful discussions, international solidarity and continued commitment to academic cooperation!
Pictures are provided by the PR department of the Ivan-Franko-University.
