The proper pronunciation of “Bildungsroman” is “bil-doongs-ro-maan.” Bildungsroman is a German term that refers to a novel that depicts the growth and development of a young person as they journey from childhood to adulthood.
The term itself is a combination of the German words “Bildung,” meaning education or formation, and “roman,” meaning novel. Bildungsromans typically follow the protagonist as they undergo a series of experiences that shape their values and beliefs. Bildungsromans have been a popular form of literature since the 18th century, and some of the most famous examples include Goethe’s “Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship” and Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
