Franz Kafka was a German-speaking novelist, short-story writer and a major figure in 20th-century European literature. Born into a German-speaking Jewish family in Prague, Kafka attended the German section of Charles-Ferdinand University between 1901 and 1906. He first opted for chemistry, then transferred to law school and also attended lectures in philosophy, German studies, and art history. After graduating in law he was employed at an insurance company and wrote his literary works in his spare time. His best-known works include “The Metamorphosis”, “The Trial”, and “The Castle”. His work has influenced many writers, critics, artists, and philosophers of the 20th and 21st centuries.