Katharina Reiss 1923 – 2018

Biography

Katharina Reiss was born on April 17, 1923, in Rheinhausen, Germany, during a time of significant change in her country. She would go on to become a distinguished linguist and translator, dedicating her life to the study of language and cross-cultural communication. Her work in these fields left a lasting impact on how translation theory and practice were understood and taught.

Throughout her career, Reiss established herself as a thoughtful scholar whose contributions to linguistics and translation studies helped shape the discipline for generations of students and professionals. Her expertise bridged the gap between theoretical linguistics and practical application, making her insights valuable to both academic and professional communities. She spent decades exploring the complexities of language, meaning, and the art of conveying ideas accurately across linguistic boundaries.

Katharina Reiss passed away on April 16, 2018, in Munich, just one day before what would have been her ninety-fifth birthday. She left behind a legacy rooted in scholarly rigor and a deep commitment to understanding language as a window into human connection and understanding.