When does the talk with Ronen Steinke take place?

The event takes place on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30.

Where does the event take place?

The talk takes place in the Quarter Hall Langer Stall in the Creative Quarter Potsdam, Neue Plantage 6, 14467 Potsdam.

What is the cost of admission?

Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

What is the conversation about?

The focus is on freedom of speech, the boundaries between legitimate criticism and punishable expressions, the handling of antisemitism, and a respectful democratic debate culture.

Who is Ronen Steinke?

Ronen Steinke is a doctoral lawyer, journalist, non-fiction author, Senior Editor of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, and lecturer at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main.

Is there a book signing or Q&A session?

The event format is announced as a conversation about freedom of speech. A book signing or separate Q&A session is not confirmed.

When Language Touches Boundaries: Ronen Steinke Discusses Freedom of Speech in Potsdam

Name: Can one still say that? Talk with author Ronen Steinke
Start: 2026-11-24T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-24T20:30:00+01:00
Location: Quartiershalle Langer Stall, Kreativquartier Potsdam

Ronen Steinke on Freedom of Speech: An Evening for Open Debate

What can one still say, how should it be said – and when must one absolutely object? On November 24, 2026, the Potsdam Citizens' Foundation invites you to a conversation with the doctoral lawyer, journalist, and non-fiction author Ronen Steinke as part of the Better Encounter project. In the Creative Quarter Potsdam, freedom of speech is at the center as a key prerequisite for a democratic conversation culture.

Between Freedom of Speech and Responsibility

Ronen Steinke combines legal precision with journalistic clarity. In his current book, Freedom of Speech, he examines the sensitive boundary between legitimate criticism, hurtful language, and punishable expressions. The talk delves into a societal discourse that intertwines political debates, personal responsibility, and the protection of dignity.

An Author with a Legal and Journalistic Perspective

Steinke works as the Senior Editor in the Politics department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung and teaches at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. His books focus on the relationship between law, power, and society. He is known, among other things, for the biography of Fritz Bauer as well as for works like The Muslim and the Jew, Terror Against Jews, and Before the Law, Not Everyone is Equal.

For his journalistic work, Steinke has received, among other awards, the Wächterpreis of the German Daily Press and the Otto Brenner Award for Critical Journalism. His use of language remains dedicated to enlightenment: he makes complex political-legal questions accessible without smoothing over their contradictions.

Discussion on Antisemitism, Political Debates, and Democratic Culture

The focus of the evening will be the boundaries of freedom of speech, how to deal with antisemitism, and the question of how a respectful debate culture can succeed even in widely divergent positions. The event promises no ready-made answers, but a concentrated author encounter with room for questions, interpretations, and open exchange.

Reading Atmosphere in the Creative Quarter Potsdam

The Quarter Hall in the Langen Stall provides the suitable setting for this literary and socio-political experience. A concentrated discussion atmosphere, precise arguments, and an evening that shows how non-fiction literature can enrich cultural discourse are expected. The combination of reading, lecture, and conversation makes the event relevant for both literature enthusiasts and everyone dealing with democracy, law, and public language.

Conclusion: An Author Encounter that Encourages Further Reflection

Ronen Steinke brings together legal expertise, journalistic experience, and literary quality. His talk in Potsdam invites you to not only talk about language but to consciously perceive its societal impact. Anyone who wants to understand freedom of speech as a living democratic practice and experience an insightful evening in the spirit of open exchange should attend this event live.