Impressed by lectures from Schiller, he created his first poem "Complaints of a young man". In Leipzig he studied philosophy, natural science and mathematics. There he met Friedrich Schlegel.

In 1794 he worked in Tennstedt as actuary in the service of the district director Just. On a professional trip Novalis met the just 12 year old Sophie Kühn who died soon after their secret engagement. The poem "Hymns at the night" resulted. He took lessons in „Halurgie“ with Wiegleb in Langensalza. In Jena his novel "Heinrich of Ofterdingen" arose. In 1798 Novalis became engaged for the second time. He passed away in 1801 at only 28 years.