German Words of 2019151

Every year, the German Language Society (GfdS) announces a list of words that have gained prominence or taken on new meanings in the past year. These words are often indicative of current trends and events in German society, and they can provide a glimpse into the minds of German speakers. In 2019, the GfdS selected the following ten words as the most important:
Fridays for Future: This movement, which began in 2018, refers to the weekly school strikes organized by students around the world to demand action on climate change. The word "Fridays" refers to the fact that the strikes typically take place on Fridays, and the word "Future" highlights the urgency of the students' demands.
Greata Thunberg: This Swedish teenager is one of the most prominent figures in the Fridays for Future movement. She has been praised for her outspokenness and her commitment to fighting climate change.
Heißzeit: This word means "heat wave" or "heat spell." It was chosen as a word of the year because of the unusually hot summer that Europe experienced in 2019.
Influencer: This word refers to a person who has a large following on social media and who uses their platform to promote products or services. Influencers have become increasingly important in marketing and advertising.
Klimaangst: This word means "climate anxiety." It refers to the feeling of fear or anxiety that some people experience about the future of the planet due to climate change.
Megxit: This word is a portmanteau of "Meghan" and "exit." It was used to describe the decision of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step down from their royal duties.
Nachhaltigkeit: This word means "sustainability." It refers to the practice of using resources in a way that does not harm the environment or future generations.
Shitstorm: This word is used to describe a sudden and overwhelming outburst of negative criticism or abuse, typically on social media. It is often used to refer to the backlash that public figures or companies receive after making a controversial statement or decision.
Smombie: This word is a portmanteau of "smartphone" and "zombie." It is used to describe someone who is so engrossed in their smartphone that they are oblivious to their surroundings.
Whistleblower: This word refers to a person who exposes information about illegal or unethical activities within an organization. Whistleblowers often play an important role in holding those in power accountable.

These ten words provide a snapshot of the major events and trends that shaped German society in 2019. They reflect the concerns of Germans about climate change, the influence of social media, and the future of the planet.

2024-11-22

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