After earning a degree in German and Protestant theology in Munich, Kerstin Specht began working as a director’s assistant at the Bayerischer Rundfunk and took acting lessons. In 1985, she began studying at the HFF Munich.

Specht has been writing stage plays since 1988. Her works have been described by critics as modern, poignant, dark popular theater in the tradition of Ödön von Horváth and Marieluise Fleißer. Especially her early works such as: Lila and Das glühend Männla are considered typical of the new critical popular theater. She has received numerous awards for her work. Kerstin Specht is a member of the PEN Center Germany and lives in Munich.