Herman de Coninckprijs Poëzie 2024: De 6 Genomineerden

The literary world is abuzz as six poetry collections have been nominated for the prestigious Herman de Coninckprijs. The award, which recognizes the best Dutch-language poetry collection of the past year, will be presented on March 21st in Antwerp. The nominated works represent a diverse range of voices and themes, signaling a vibrant period for contemporary poetry.

A Diverse Selection of Nominees

Among the contenders is ‘Het netwerk moet gebouwd worden’ by Maxime Garcia Diaz, described by the jury as a “bold, imaginative, and immersive collection about identity formation, connection, and grief in a digitized and Americanized world.” Sarah de Koning’s ‘tekstielen’ also received high praise, with the jury noting its “addictive, smooth flow of words that effortlessly carries the reader,” while also acknowledging its disruptive and fascinating nature.

Jolanda Kooijmans’s ‘Addertje’ is recognized as an “epic poetry collection about the devil in new and unexpected forms.” The jury also highlighted the debut collection ‘verblijf’ by Yasmin Namavar, a Dutch psychiatrist with Iranian roots, for its exploration of “how feelings of belonging and homelessness affect our bodies and our environment.”

Established poet Peter Verhelst is nominated for ‘Nachtatlas’, which the jury considers one of his best works, given his impressive career. Finally, Sandrine Verstraete’s ‘kamers’ is lauded as poetry that can appeal to all types of readers, “rationally or affectively, patiently or greedily.”

Did You Know? In 2025, a total of 92 poetry collections were submitted for the Herman de Coninckprijs, including 24 debut collections.

The Significance of the Award

The Herman de Coninckprijs is a significant honor in the Dutch-language literary landscape. The award was established to commemorate Herman de Coninck, and each year selects 44 poems to present.

Expert Insight: The diversity of nominated works suggests a flourishing and evolving poetry scene, tackling complex themes relevant to contemporary society. The recognition of both established and emerging poets indicates a commitment to both honoring tradition and fostering new voices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the nominees for the Herman de Coninckprijs?

The nominees are Maxime Garcia Diaz (‘Het netwerk moet gebouwd worden’), Sarah de Koning (‘tekstielen’), Jolanda Kooijmans (‘Addertje’), Yasmin Namavar (‘verblijf’), Peter Verhelst (‘Nachtatlas’), and Sandrine Verstraete (‘kamers’).

When and where will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced on March 21st in Antwerp.

What is the focus of Yasmin Namavar’s nominated collection?

Yasmin Namavar’s ‘verblijf’ explores how feelings of belonging and homelessness influence our bodies and surroundings.

Which of these collections might resonate most with readers grappling with questions of identity in a rapidly changing world?