German Expressionists were artists and writers in the early 20th century who sought to convey emotional experiences rather than physical reality. This movement emerged in Germany around 1905 and was characterized by bold colors, distorted forms, and exaggerated lines. Key figures included painters like Edvard Munch and Wassily Kandinsky, who aimed to express inner feelings and social critiques through their work. The movement encompassed various art forms, including painting, literature, theater, and film. It was a response to the anxieties of modern life, particularly in the wake of World War I. German Expressionism significantly influenced later art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism.