The Deutsches Literatur-Lexikon. Das 20. Jahrhundert [Dictionary of German Literature. The 20th Century] continues, supplements, and extends the Deutsches Literatur-Lexikon. It lists writers from German-speaking countries and authors from elsewhere in Europe who write in German, provided that the main body of their work was produced in the 20th century.

The articles contain the full names, dates of birth and death, and a brief biography of the authors. There is also a bibliography section containing details of works, translations, editorships, editions, letters, unpublished works, anthologies, bibliographies, research reports, general descriptions, critiques, and secondary literature relating to specific works.