The University of Berlin was founded in 1818, becoming a model for modern research universities worldwide. Located in Berlin, Germany, it emphasized the importance of academic freedom and the integration of research and teaching. This institution would become a hub for intellectual thought, influencing various fields, including philosophy, science, and literature.

The university attracted many influential thinkers and writers, including poets like Heinrich Heine, who were shaped by its progressive ideas. The emphasis on critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge fostered a literary environment that encouraged innovation and the exploration of new poetic forms and themes.