Following an application phase of statistical processes which were based predominantly on information science, the field of digital humanities, which has rapidly established itself in recent years, is focussing more closely now on the cognition processes at the interface of both sciences and the capacity to model humanities-related issues. Networks such as Clarin, TextCrid or DARIAH not only provide tools designed to meet the challenges of digital work, but also lay the foundations for a new culture of cooperation between different academic fields and institutions. The first conference «Digital Humanities in the German-speaking countries» convincingly demonstrated how this young community is actively seizing the opportunities presented by the change but also how it is sensing a need for more intensive coordination of procedures and objectives.