Books and Bertelsmann are inextricably linked. What began in 1835 as a small publisher is today the biggest trade book publishing group in the world. Accordingly, literature continues to be a high priority for the company.
Bertelsmann regularly hosts literature events at its premises in the European capitals of Berlin, Brussels and Madrid. Bertelsmann’s Blue Sofa, a project with the partners ZDF and Deutschlandradio, has become established as a regular presence at the book fairs in Frankfurt and Leipzig.

Das Blaue Sofa (The Blue Sofa)

One blue sofa – thousands of writers and books: Since the year 2000, 2,349 writers have taken a seat on the colorful couch to present their latest works at Germany’s two major book fairs. Beyond this, there are “Blue Sofa” events in Berlin.

Literary formats at Unter den Linden 1

Since 2003, Bertelsmann Unter den Linden 1 in Germany’s capital has regularly hosted reading-related events, ranging from literary salons, scenic readings, and the Crime Marathon to literature-and-music soirées.