The history of literature in Germany, Austria, Switzerland of the 19th century is presented in the textbook as the movement and change of cultural, historical and literary eras, philosophical and natural scientific ideas, aesthetic and ethical ideas of romanticism, realism, naturalism, symbolism and other trends that arise at the end of the century. General characteristics of literary movements and schools include monographic sections devoted to the work of individual writers, giving the reader the opportunity to see not only the picture of literary life as a whole, but also the diversity of creative searches and destinies. Many problems of 19th century literature are examined from a new angle.