That Goethe was also a translator is a well-kept secret. However, in this study the main focus lies on these translations. Especially on his five longest and most important ones, such as Diderot's Le Neveu de Rameau and Cellini's Vita.Not only will the translations be discussed but - and maybe even more importantly - also will this study try to give an answer to the motivation of Goethe. Why did he devote so much time to these translations? This volume offers a complete new perspective on Goethe and his works.