German Words of 2018: Spiegeling Zeitgeist and Gesellschaft307

Einleitung

The German Language Council (Rat für deutsche Rechtschreibung) has announced the German Words of 2018, which reflect the Zeitgeist and the concerns and preoccupations of German society.

Zeitgeist Wörter

Among the Zeitgeist words chosen are:

Heißzeit (hot season)
Plastikmüll (plastic waste)
Influencer (influencer)
Fridays for Future (Fridays for Future)

These words capture the growing awareness of climate change, the ubiquity of plastics in our environment, the influence of social media, and the youth-led environmental movement.

Gesellschaft Wörter

The Gesellschaft words selected relate to societal issues and trends:

Altersarmut (aged poverty)
Ehrenamt (voluntary work)
Hassrede (hate speech)
Respekt (respect)

These words highlight the challenges of an aging population, the importance of civic engagement, the prevalence of hate speech in online discourse, and the need for fostering respect and understanding in society.

Jugendwörter

The Jugendwörter (youth words) are chosen by a jury of young people, and typically reflect the language and culture of the younger generation:

Digga (dude)
Cringe (embarrassing)
Yeet (to throw)
Smash (to have sex)

These words offer a glimpse into the slang and communication patterns of young Germans.

Relevanz und Bedeutung

The selection of German Words of the Year is a significant linguistic and cultural event. These words not only reflect the current state of the German language, but also provide insights into the zeitgeist, society, and the concerns and aspirations of the German people.

By monitoring and analyzing language usage, the German Language Council plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the German language as a dynamic and expressive medium of communication.

Fazit

The German Words of 2018 are a mirror of the time we live in, capturing the challenges, concerns, and aspirations of German society. They serve as a valuable linguistic and cultural snapshot that will help future generations understand the spirit of our era.

2024-12-14

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