Language/Hungarian/Culture/Famous-Hungarian-writers-and-poets

Hungarian → Culture → Famous Hungarian writers and poets

As a Hungarian language teacher with 20 years of experience, I am excited to introduce you to some of the most famous Hungarian writers and poets that have made an impact on the world. Hungarian literature has a rich history, and many great writers have contributed to it over the centuries. In this lesson, we will explore the works of these writers and poets in detail to help improve your Hungarian language skills.

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Social issues and activism & Geography of Hungary.

Hungarian literature

Hungarian literature dates back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest known Hungarian language text, the Funeral Sermon and Prayer, dating back to around 1192. Over the centuries, many great Hungarian writers have made an impact on the world through their works of literature. Here are just a few of the most famous Hungarian writers and poets that you should know about.

Ferenc Molnár

Ferenc Molnár (1878-1952) was a Hungarian journalist, dramatist, and novelist. His most famous work is The Paul Street Boys, a novel about two rival gangs of boys in Budapest. The book has been adapted into plays, movies, and an opera in Hungary and around the world.

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
A Pál utcai fiúk	ɒ paːl ut͡sɒi fiuːk	The Paul Street Boys

Sándor Márai

Sándor Márai (1900-1989) was a Hungarian writer and journalist. His best-known novel is Embers, which tells the story of two old friends meeting after a 41-year estrangement. The novel has been translated into over twenty languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
A gyertyák csonkig égnek	ɒ ɟɛrcaːk t͡ʃoŋkig eːɡnɛk	Embers

Imre Kertész

Imre Kertész (1929-2016) was a Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2002 for his novel Fatelessness, which is based on his experiences as a teenage prisoner in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps.

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Sorstalanság	ʃorʃtɒlɒnʃaːɡ	Fatelessness

Péter Esterházy

Péter Esterházy (1950-2016) was a Hungarian writer. His best-known work is Harmonia Caelestis, a novel that tells the story of the Esterházy family, one of the most prominent Hungarian noble families.

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Harmonia Caelestis	hɒrmoniɒ t͡ʃɛlɛstiʃ	Celestial Harmonies

Attila József

Attila József (1905-1937) was a Hungarian poet. He is considered one of the most important Hungarian poets of the 20th century. His poems dealt with the themes of social inequality, the struggle for freedom, and the human condition.

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Tiszta szívvel	ˈtis.tɒ ˈsiːv.vɛl	With a Pure Heart

Conclusion

These are just a few of the most famous Hungarian writers and poets that have made an impact on the world. Exploring the works of these writers and poets can greatly improve your Hungarian language skills, as well as give you a new appreciation for the rich history of Hungarian literature. As you continue to learn Hungarian, be sure to read some of these remarkable works and share your thoughts with others.

Sources

• Hungarian literature - Wikipedia
• 8 Hungarian Novels You Should Read Before You Die
• 12 Things You Didn't Know About Hungarian Literature

Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Hungarian arts and music & Hungary Timeline.

Other Lessons

• Hungarian holidays and celebrations
• Hungarian cuisine and drinks
• Hungarian geography and landmarks
• Hungarian media and news outlets
• Contemporary Hungarian culture
• Social issues and activism
• Hungarian arts and music
• Hungarian idioms and proverbs
• Hungarian history and folklore