# Freie Universitat Berlin. Peter Szondi-Institut fü̈r Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft
**Wikidata**: [Q1357135](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1357135)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freie-universitat-berlin-peter-szondi-institut-fur-allgemeine-und-vergleichende-literaturwissenschaft

## Summary
The Peter Szondi-Institut für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft (Peter Szondi Institute of General and Comparative Literature) is a research institute operated by the Freie Universität Berlin. Established in 1965 and dedicated to the field of comparative literature, the institute is named after the literary scholar Péter Szondi. It functions as a dedicated engine for discovery, focusing exclusively on generating new knowledge through systematic investigation rather than commercial or strictly policy-oriented goals.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** Peter Szondi-Institut für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft
- **Parent Organization:** Freie Universität Berlin (Operator)
- **Location:** Berlin, Germany
- **Inception:** 1965
- **Entity Type:** Research Institute
- **Field of Work:** Comparative Literature
- **Named After:** Péter Szondi
- **Director/Manager:** Georg Witte
- **Website:** http://www.complit.fu-berlin.de
- **GND ID:** 10150026-9
- **VIAF ID:** 158116343
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n2016064314
- **GEPRIS Organization ID:** 24056
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11r7sxm_8
- **Image Resource:** Freie Universitaet Berlin - Gebaeudekomplex Rost- und Silberlaube

## FAQs
**Q: What is the primary function of the Peter Szondi Institute?**
A: As a research institute, its primary purpose is to conduct research and generate new knowledge in the field of comparative literature. Unlike university departments that must balance teaching with research, this institute exists specifically for systematic investigation and inquiry.

**Q: How is this institute different from a think tank?**
A: While think tanks primarily conduct policy-oriented research to influence government decisions, the Peter Szondi Institute focuses on fundamental scientific inquiry and scholarship in the humanities.

**Q: Who operates and manages the institute?**
A: The institute is operated by the Freie Universität Berlin. As recorded in the source data, Georg Witte serves as a director or manager of the entity.

## Why It Matters
The Peter Szondi-Institut represents a critical infrastructure for advancing humanistic knowledge within the German academic landscape. By existing as a distinct research institute rather than a standard academic department, it provides a space where scholars can pursue long-term, complex literary analysis without the distraction of commercial ends or undergraduate teaching obligations. It contributes to the global understanding of General and Comparative Literature, upholding the legacy of Péter Szondi. Its classification as a research institute distinguishes it as an operational entity dedicated to hands-on investigation, accelerating breakthroughs in literary theory and history.

## Notable For
- **Dedicated Research Focus:** Differentiated from standard university departments by its exclusive focus on generating research rather than granting degrees or providing undergraduate education.
- **Namesake:** Named in honor of Péter Szondi, a significant figure in literary scholarship.
- **Specific Disciplinary Scope:** Distinctly focused on Comparative Literature (Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft).
- **Institutional Heritage:** Being one of the specialized institutes under the umbrella of the Freie Universität Berlin.

## Body

### Organizational Structure and Classification
The Peter Szondi-Institut für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft is formally classified as a **research institute**. This distinguishes it from scientific societies or learned societies, which are typically membership-based organizations, as well as think tanks. The institute is an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation and is a sub-unit or affiliate of the larger **Freie Universität Berlin**.

### History and Naming
The institute was founded in **1965**. It is named after **Péter Szondi**, reflecting its grounding in literary scholarship. The institute is headquartered in **Berlin, Germany**.

### Research and Leadership
The institute's primary field of work is **Comparative Literature**. It is dedicated to fundamental inquiry in this discipline. According to structured data records, the management or directorship includes **Georg Witte**.

### Identification and Library Cataloging
The entity is formally recognized and cataloged across multiple international knowledge systems:
*   **German National Library (GND):** 10150026-9
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n2016064314
*   **VIAF ID:** 158116343
*   **GEPRIS Organization ID:** 24056
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11r7sxm_8

### Visual and Digital Resources
The institute is visually represented by imagery of the **Freie Universität Berlin - Gebaeudekomplex Rost- und Silberlaube** (Building Complex Rost- and Silberlaube). Its official digital presence is maintained at **http://www.complit.fu-berlin.de**.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File