Walter Hasenclever 1890 – 1940

Biography

Walter Hasenclever was born on July 8, 1890, in Aachen, Germany, during a period of great cultural ferment in Europe. He dedicated his life to the literary arts, establishing himself as both a poet and playwright whose work reflected the artistic sensibilities of his era. His creative voice contributed to the rich intellectual landscape of early twentieth-century German letters.

The final chapter of Hasenclever’s life was marked by tragedy. On June 21, 1940, he died at Les Milles concentration camp in southern France, a victim of the persecution that engulfed Europe during World War II. His death represents one of countless losses suffered by artists and thinkers during that dark period of history.

Hasenclever was laid to rest at Saint-Pierre Cemetery in Aix-en-Provence, France, far from his native Aachen. Though his life was cut short by circumstances beyond his control, his legacy endures through the literary works he left behind—a testament to his talent and the vibrant cultural world that existed before the war.