Born 3 July 1883 in Prague, died 3 June 1924 in Klosterneuburg, Kierling . Son of a wealthy Jewish merchant . 1901-1906 he studied German literature and law in Prague , in 1906 he received his doctorate in law . Then short internship period at the Regional Court in Prague . 1908-1917 employee of an insurance company , later a workers' compensation insurance. In 1917, he contracted tuberculosis , which forced him in 1922 to give up the profession.Kafka felt as lonely and misunderstood loner , only with Max Brod and Franz Werfel linked him friendship , he was acquainted with Martin Buber and John Urzidil . During the summer months of the years 1910 to 1912 traveling and spa stays led him to Italy , France, Germany , Hungary and Switzerland . His relationship with women was difficult and problematic : it has twice engaged in 1914 and dissolved the betrothal again ; 1920-1922 tormented him an unrequited love for Milena Jesenská , as documented by numerous letters received , and since 1923 he lived with Dora Diamant together as a freelance writer in Berlin and Vienna , most recently in Kierlang sanatorium near Vienna, where he died of tuberculosis of the larynx . His literary estate , which he had determined in his will for combustion, was published posthumously against his will by Max Brod.