Heinrich Heine (born Harry Heine, changed to Christian Johann Heinrich Heine following his conversion to Christianity from Judaism) (13 December 1797 – 17 February 1856) is one of the most significant German poets of the 19th century.

He is also a journalist, essayist, and literary critic.

He is best known outside Germany for his early lyric poetry, which is set to music in the form of Lieder (art songs) by composers such as Robert Schumann and Franz Schubert.

Heine's later verse and prose is distinguished by its satirical wit and irony.

His radical political views lead to many of his works being banned by German authorities.

Heine spends the last 25 years of his life as an expatriate in Paris.