The Lessing Prize of the Free State of Saxony is a German literary award.
It was founded in 1993 by the Government of the Free State of Saxony and is awarded every two years.
It consists of a main prize, which honours outstanding achievements in the spirit of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, especially in the field of literature, literary criticism and the theater.
[1] In addition, two further "promotional prizes" are awarded, which seek to publicly recognize and promote promising beginnings in these fields.
[2] The award ceremony usually takes place on 21 January, the eve of Lessing's birthday (22 January 1729), as part of the celebrations organized by the Lessing Museum in his native town of Kamenz.