noun
literature, literary works
B1
Literatur (feminine, die) means literature: written works, literary writings or the body of books in a language. Usually used as an uncountable mass noun (die Literatur), but plural Literaturen exists for separate literatures. Declension regular; plural form 'Literaturen' is less common.
Examples
Die studentische Bibliothek sammelt seltene literarische Werke und allgemeine Literatur.
The student library collects rare literary works and general literature.
In der deutschen Literatur gibt es viele klassische Romane.
There are many classic novels in German literature.
Die Seminarteilnehmer diskutierten die Literatur, nachdem der Professor die wichtigsten Autoren vorgestellt hatte.
The seminar participants discussed the literature after the professor had presented the main authors.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a bookshelf full of novels and essays with a big label 'Literatur'.
Sounds like 'literature' in English — remember the similar word.
die — picture a female author ('die Autorin') holding a book to recall feminine gender.
Notes
Often used as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'Ich lese gern Literatur'). 'Literaturen' can be plural in specialized contexts, but 'Literatur' is commonly singular or mass noun.