The Verfasserlexikon represents a fundamental and encompassing work of reference on German literature of the Middle Ages as well as a selection of German, Latin writing authors of the period. It contains more than 5000 articles by numerous scholars from Germany and abroad, arranged alphabetically by author and anonymous work title.
All German-language authors and works from the beginning of German writing in the 8th century until about 1520 and the more important Latin authors and works of the German-speaking area until about 1480 are recorded and presented in alphabetical order; in addition, a selection of non-German authors from antiquity and the Middle Ages is presented with regard to their reception in German. In addition to "fine" literature, the literary concept of the author's encyclopaedia also includes scientific-theoretical texts, e.g. theological treatises, sermons, health teachings, legal and historical literature.