Sample translations in 2025
All year long, translators from Dutch can apply for a grant for a sample translation. With this grant, they buy time to translate an excerpt from a Flemish literary work, and to bring that work to the attention of publishers in their language area. Find out which samples are being translated in 2025, and why translators have chosen them!
Andrea Kluitmann translated an excerpt from Under the Bridge by Evelien De Vlieger into German.
“Sometimes the novel reads like a gripping thriller, while at other times it features deeply poetic passages and strikingly cinematic scenes. The author's voice is remarkably refined and authentic. She constructs her story with great skill and uses a beautiful, understated style. I believe it’s crucial for stories aimed at young people to genuinely address topics that resonate with them, including the raw edges of life. Moreover, the novel is highly original, with its information perfectly paced to maintain suspense throughout."
You can already find the German sample on our website, and an English sample too.
Christiane Burkhardt translates an excerpt from Sulina's Voice by Anneleen Van Offel into German.
"‘Sulina’s Voice’ is an initiation novel, a story of personal growth, a travel story, a love story, an artist’s novel, and a feminist essay all rolled into one. It’s a book about the all-too-rarely told experience of ‘becoming a mother’, about alienation, loneliness, and transformation, while simultaneously narrating its own origin story. Claudio Magris meets Mareike Fallwickl: gripping, captivating, and above all, brilliantly written! A book that has rightfully received glowing reviews in the Netherlands and Flanders (even from men ;-))."
You can already read an English sample on our website.
Birgit Erdmann translated an excerpt from I, Cartographer by Jeroen Theunissen into German.
"I’m a fan of Jeroen Theunissen, of his writing style and his reflections. Above all, I am a fan of the novel ‘I, Cartographer’. It’s a travelogue through Europe, a journey through time as well. Deeply personal, yet rich in historical insights, it delves into cultural differences, observations, encounters. And it is a true ‘Wanderbuch’ – Germans love walking, and so do I."
You can already find the German sample on our website, and an English sample too.
Ingrid Ostermann translated an excerpt from I’m Going to the Sheep by Marieke De Maré into German.
"I’m deeply impressed by the linguistic precision and style of the novel: concise and compact in a delightfully poetic way. And by its sublime content: a story that quietly and calmly illuminates existential questions such as loyalty, love, finding stability in one’s own life and in the lives of others, the connection with others, and the transience of everything. I was truly moved by the lyrical and subtle style of the novel, with so much left unsaid or conveyed in just a few words. To me, it feels like a beautifully melancholic poem."
You can already find the German sample on our website, and an English and Spanish sample too.
Christina Siever translates an excerpt from The Rest of Our Lives by Els Beerten and an excerpt from Pride by Martha Claeys into German.
"Els Beerten tells a moving and complex story about migration, identity, family ties, and the challenges of building a new life in a foreign land. The complexity of the narrative, combined with the personal experiences of the characters, adds depth and emotion to the text, offering an engaging reading experience. The book is the perfect tool to introduce young readers to the historical challenges of migration and the quest for cultural identity."
You can already read an English sample on our website.
"To me, ‘Pride’ is highly relevant to a German-speaking audience today. In an era where questions of identity, social equality, and national pride are increasingly coming to the forefront, this book offers valuable insights. It can also make an important contribution to the broader debate on identity politics, emancipation, and social justice – topics that are equally pressing concerns in Germany."
You can already read an English sample on our website.
Shimanto Reza translated an excerpt from ‘Tosca’ by Maud Vanhauwaert into English.
"This is a book for our times, while firmly rooted in a fundamental and universal theme: the tension between fiction and reality. (After all, it was Nabokov who famously said that all great novels address this!) This friction, however, is no excuse for abstract musings – it is made highly relevant by pulling the subject into our everyday world through the lens of a love story."
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you'd like to read the excerpt.
Laura Vroomen translates an excerpt from 'Predator' by Toni Coppers into English.
"This book is rooted in two cultures. While ‘Nordic noir’ has been popular for some time, Finland often seems to play a less prominent role in the genre. The Flemish-Finnish combination is therefore both surprising and original. As a thriller, the book is also strong, featuring an appealing detective, a group of sympathetic friends, and an unexpected ‘double’ twist in the ending. Undoubtedly, this book will resonate with a broad readership, both in English-speaking and other language markets. An English sample could open doors to those other markets as well."
A sample of this book is also being translated into Finnish (see below).
Mari Janatuinen translates an excerpt from 'Predator' by Toni Coppers into Finnish.
"‘Predator’ is a psychological thriller, a genre that’s currently extremely popular in Finland, especially due to the rise of audiobooks. While many thrillers are translated from Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian (and predominantly from English, of course), very few works have been translated from Dutch into Finnish. A key factor here is that the story is largely set in Finland itself. This, too, makes me confident the story will spark interest."
A sample of this book is also being translated into English (see above).
Agnieszka Bienias translates an excerpt from A Book Full of Houses by Pieter Van Eenoge and Julie de Graaf.
"The book is cleverly structured: the engagingly written text and illustrations sit side by side, allowing the reader to follow the descriptions visually. I believe there is definitely room for a new publication on architecture for young readers with a fresh perspective. Moreover, the book can be enjoyed independently by young readers or read aloud to them. And last but not least: it features Keret House (Ed.: the narrowest house in the world, located in the Polish capital Warsaw)!"
Irina Anton translates an excerpt from Trophy by Gaea Schoeters and an excerpt from Where is the Dragon? by Leo Timmers into Romanian.
About ‘Trophy’: "There are hardly any contemporary books published in Romanian on this subject, and this book offers an interesting and nuanced perspective. The author does not shy away from uncomfortable questions and ethical dilemmas. It can also be seen as a thriller, growing increasingly suspenseful as the story unfolds. Moreover, I find it beautifully written, with attention to detail and marvellous descriptions of nature."
You can already read an English sample on our website.
About ‘Where is the Dragon?’: "This picture book was published in 2019 and has since been translated into no fewer than 18 languages. It’s a humorous picture book that appeals to young children, and I think it’s perfect as a bedtime story. I’m in love with Leo Timmers’ illustrations – he creates a fantastical world where the boundless imagination of children is captured with precision."
Oana Marin translated an excerpt from Know Yourself by Tinneke Beeckman into Romanian.
"The text is erudite yet easy to read, and it has the potential to spark many ‘aha’ moments in any linguistic region. Moreover, each essay is concise and can be read individually – a great advantage for those with busy schedules. The quotes from great thinkers and writers are widely known, making it impossible for the text to alienate an international readership."
You can already read the Romanian sample on our website, and an English sample too.