Wordsworth's reception in nineteenth century Germany was less extensive than other British Romantic poets; in the context of translation and conflict, however, Wordsworth's appearance in German anthologies merits careful study. This article shows that there was a greater knowledge of his work and reputation as a patriotic English poet than has previously been assumed. One of his chief admirers and translators of the mid nineteenth century, Ferdinand Freiligrath, was profoundly influenced by the political conflicts at the heart of the emerging German state. Freiligrath's selection and approach to the translation of Wordsworth"s poems are considered in the light of the development of translation theory in early nineteenth century Germany, alongside the political and social impact of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. The influence of Friedrich Jacobsen, a devotee of English Romantic poetry in early nineteenth century Germany is also discussed. The article concludes with an assessment of the relationship between the reception of Wordsworth in late nineteenth century Germany and the evolving nature of political conflict as reflect in German foreign policy. Marie Gothein's biography and anthology of Wordsworth, published in 1893, are discussed in the context of a period of increasing strain n Anglo-German relationships.