How to retrieve the generics type of a class (even if subclassed). DISCLAIMER: it doesn't work, but for the most simple case [1]. If you need a bit more [2] then go with 3rd party lib (like classmate). * [1] class Bar extends Foo<String> {...} * [2] class Bar extends Foo<List<String>> {...}

GenericsTest.java

public class GenericsTest {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        Bar b = new Bar("Test");
        System.out.println(b.getReferenceType().getType());

    }

    static class TypeReference<T> {

        private final Class<?> type;

        public TypeReference(T t) {
            type = t.getClass();
        }

        public Class<?> getType() {
            return type;
        }
    }

    static class Foo<T> {
        private T value;
        private final TypeReference<T> referenceType;


        public Foo(T value) {
            this.value = value;
            this.referenceType = new TypeReference<T>(value);
        }

        public TypeReference<T> getReferenceType() {
            return referenceType;
        }
    }

    static class Bar extends Foo<String> {

        public Bar(String value) {
            super(value);
        }
    }
}