The wbg is a publishing house, organised as an economic association. Its purpose is to enable the publication of important and urgently needed scientific and cultural works. The profits of the wbg are not distributed.they serve exclusively to promote the purpose of the statutes.

The wbg is dedicated to the communication and promotion of knowledge and education. The members of the largest humanities community in the German-speaking world are particularly interested in history, classical studies, archaeology, philosophy and theology. Members also receive a 20% discount on all wbg titles and can take advantage of many other member benefits.