“Deutsche Wörter im Englischen“ - German Loanwords in English75

The English language has been heavily influenced by other languages throughout its history, and German is no exception. Many German words have been adopted into English, and they are now used in a wide variety of contexts.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common German loanwords in English. We will also discuss the history of these words and how they came to be used in English.

Some Common German Loanwords in English

Here are some of the most common German loanwords in English:* Angst (fear, anxiety)
* Blitz (lightning)
* Bratwurst (sausage)
* Doppelgänger (double, lookalike)
* Gesundheit (bless you)
* Kindergarten (preschool)
* Landschaft (landscape)
* Lederhosen (leather pants)
* Poltergeist (noisy ghost)
* Pretzel (knotted bread)
* Rucksack (backpack)
* Schnitzel (breaded cutlet)
* Waldorf (salad)
* Zeitgeist (spirit of the age)

The History of German Loanwords in English

The first German loanwords entered English in the Middle Ages, when English and German were both Germanic languages. These words included words like "kind" (child) and "house" (house). Over time, more German words were adopted into English, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, when there was a great deal of cultural exchange between England and Germany.

Many German loanwords were introduced into English through the works of German philosophers, scientists, and writers. For example, the word "zeitgeist" was introduced into English by the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

How German Loanwords Are Used in English

German loanwords are used in a wide variety of contexts in English. Some words, like "angst" and "doppelgänger," are used to describe concepts that are difficult to express in English. Other words, like "bratwurst" and "lederhosen," are used to refer to specific German foods and clothing items.

Still other German loanwords, like "kindergarten" and "rucksack," have become so common in English that they are often used without any thought to their German origins.

Conclusion

German loanwords are an important part of the English language. They reflect the long history of cultural exchange between England and Germany. These words continue to be used in a wide variety of contexts, and they add richness and depth to the English language.

2024-11-30

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