Humboldt’s Idea of Bildung or the German Longing for National Meaning
Abstract
This article starts by using four contextual aspects to analyse how the concept of Bildung was configured around 1800, particularly by Wilhelm von Humboldt: the political framework of the Holy Roman Empire, the cultural problem of the German nation, the predicament of the German intelligentsia, and the dominant Lutheran religion. Then, the founding of so-called Humboldt University is reconstructed. Finally, with a view to Germany and Scandinavia, the temporal and spatial migrations of the concept of Bildung are touched upon and the question posed as to what we can still do with this concept today.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Historical Architecture and Urbanism
Alexander von Humboldt Studies
Classical Studies and Philology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- History of European Ideas
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1209–1228
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026
- Language
- EN