Alexander Kaufmann (1817–1893) was a German poet, folklorist, and literary historian. Born in Bonn, he studied philology and history at the University of Bonn under August Wilhelm Schlegel. Kaufmann is primarily known for his contributions to the collection and preservation of German folklore, particularly legends, fairy tales, and folk songs from the Rhineland region.
His major publications include Rheinische Sagen (Rhenish Legends, 1840–1852), a multi-volume collection of regional legends, and Rheinische Volkslieder (Rhenish Folk Songs). He also wrote original poetry, often drawing on romantic and folkloric themes, collected in volumes such as Gedichte (Poems, 1842).
Kaufmann worked as a librarian and archivist in Bonn and was associated with the circle of poets around the Schlegel brothers. His scholarly work contributed to the 19th-century movement of Volkskunde (folklore studies) in the German-speaking world.
Note on Name Ambiguity: The name "Alexander Kaufmann" is shared by other individuals, including a contemporary German footballer (born 1985). This entry describes the 19th-century poet and folklorist, who is the most prominent historical figure bearing this name in general encyclopedic sources.
