A Poetry Slam is an event where poets recite or perform their original compositions, often in a competitive setting, with the aim of captivating and impressing the audience and judges with their creativity and delivery.

Poetry Slam, a popular phenomenon that originated in the USA, has made its way to Germany and continues to captivate audiences with its unique and engaging format. This dynamic form of poetry encourages spoken word performances and invites audience participation in deciding the winners.

The Poetry Slam format is simple yet effective. Ten artists compete with their own texts, each given a set time limit during the competition. The texts can be spoken, shouted, whispered, rapped, or rhymed, offering a diverse range of styles and tones. Form is not a strict requirement in Poetry Slam; instead, the audience's favor matters most.

The audience decides which two candidates advance to the final round, where a winner is then chosen from the finalists. This audience participation element adds an exciting and unpredictable dimension to the event.

Poetry Slam events are designed to entertain and captivate the audience, making them more engaging than traditional readings. As a result, Poetry Slam has spread to almost every city in Germany, with well-known artists such as Sebastian 23, Andy Strauss, Sandra da Vina, Florian Wintels, Mona Harry, Johannes Elster, Theresa Sperling (German champion 2024 and current European champion), and Sina Bahr (Munich city champion) leading the way.

The growing recognition and acceptance of Poetry Slam are evident in the establishment of new publishers specializing in books and CDs of spoken word artists. This development further popularizes the phenomenon and highlights its growing significance in the literary world.

Poetry Slam events are now broadcast on television and the internet, allowing more people to experience this exciting form of poetry. Whether humorous or thought-provoking, the texts in Poetry Slam continue to inspire and engage audiences, keeping the tradition alive and well in Germany.