linguistics 1

Could Denglisch one day kill off German?

From being heard in coffee shops to popular TV programmes, "Denglisch" is being used more and more across the country. But is it threatening to kill off German? A linguist sheds light on the phenomenon.

social media

‘An enrichment of German language:’ ‘influencer’ is Anglicism of the Year

A jury of linguists has chosen the word “influencer” as the Anglicism of the Year for 2017.

Language and culture

‘Jamaika-Aus’ voted German Word of the Year for 2017

The Society for the German Language (GfdS) placed “Jamaica out” at the top of its list of the most important words of the year released on Friday.

language learning

Why some foreigners live in Germany without mastering the language

Debate has recently flared in Germany as to whether the prevalence of English in urban areas is a nuisance. We spoke to expats who told us why they have not learned the local language.

Language and culture

'Traitor of the people' is Germany's worst word of 2016: Here's why

Each year, German linguists elect one word as the 'Unwort' (non-word) of the year. For 2016, the winner was a term meaning 'traitor' which has strong Nazi connotations.

Language and culture

'Kebab-Murders' called 'worst word of 2011'

A jury of language experts has picked <i>Döner-Morde</i> (Kebab Murders) as 2011’s most despicable German word, saying that in the wake of racist murders the term reduced a victimised minority community to food hawkers.

France

Study finds babies cry in German

German scientists have found newborns cry in their mother tongue, signalling that they begin learning the sounds of language while still in the womb.

Language and culture

Linguists pick 'needy banks' as panned German phrase of 2008

A jury of language experts on Tuesday chose the phrase <i>notleidende Banken</i>, or “needy banks,” as 2008's most scorned linguistic no-no in German.