Prof. Anna Rebecca Hoffmann – New Chair of Didacticts German Language and Literature

After completing her studies in German, history, social sciences, and a supplementary program in sports and physical education to become a high school teacher, Anna Rebecca Hoffmann first spent a year teaching as a DAAD language assistant at the University of Pécs (Hungary) before pursuing her doctorate at the University of Giessen and the International Graduate Center for the Study of Culture. While working on her doctoral dissertation in literary studies—which focused on literary museum institutions—Anna Hoffmann also conducted research and taught literary pedagogy at the University of Osnabrück. She then completed her teaching internship in the Saxon school system in Leipzig and worked at the University of Leipzig. In 2023, she began researching and teaching as an assistant professor (TT on the W3 track) at the University of Siegen—until she moved to TU Dresden in March 2026. She also recently earned her habilitation with a venia legendi in German literature and media didactics.

Name: Prof. Anna Rebecca Hoffmann
Position/Chair: Chair of Didactics of German Language and Literature
Institute/Faculty: Institute of German Studies and Media Cultures, Faculty of Linguistics, Literature and Cultural Studies

What are your core research areas and interests?
My core research areas include teaching, professional practice, and reception studies; I also conduct research in media pedagogy and on out-of-school learning environments.

What has been your most interesting or exciting research project?
The currently ongoing SFB project “The Popular in School,” because it allows me to combine research in the field of media didactics with professional practice research, to employ various methodological approaches, and to develop important insights into pressing contemporary issues. Furthermore, I work within a transdisciplinary context, which I find very stimulating.

What project are you currently working on?
On the SFB project mentioned above, as well as on a project regarding the selection of complete texts for literature classes.

What’s one thing that absolutely must be on your desk?
Besides my Mac: a cup of tea, something to nibble on, and a photo of my three children.

Do you have a favorite quote? If so, what is it, and who said it?
Actually, no, but I always enjoy beautiful sayings and the wisdom found on tea bags. On the day I submitted my habilitation thesis, one such tea bag read: “Overcome instead of overthink.” Perfect for submitting such a voluminous work, where you always feel like you’ll never be finished…

What was the last book you read?
A nonfiction book: “Die Frau als Mensch” by Ulli Lust—an exceptionally well-done graphic novel.