German Words You Didn‘t Know Have English Cognates204

The English language is a veritable tapestry of words borrowed from other languages. From the French "rendezvous" to the Latin "curriculum," English has absorbed vocabulary from far and wide. One of the most influential languages on English has been German. Over the centuries, German words have made their way into English through trade, warfare, and cultural exchange.

Here are a few examples of German words that have become familiar to English speakers:
Kindergarten (German for "children's garden") refers to a preschool or nursery school.
Hamburger (German for "Hamburg-style") is a ground beef patty served on a bun.
Pretzel (German for "little stick") is a twisted bread made from dough that has been boiled and then baked.
Sauerkraut (German for "sour cabbage") is fermented cabbage that is often served with sausages.
Waldorf salad (German for "salad from the Waldorf Hotel") is a salad made with apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes.

In addition to these common words, there are many other German words that have been adopted into English. Some of these words are used in specific contexts, such as in science or music. Others have become so ingrained in English that we often forget their German origins.

Here are a few more examples of German words that have been adopted into English:
Angst (German for "fear" or "anxiety") is a feeling of deep seated unease or apprehension.
Gestalt (German for "form" or "shape") is a term used in psychology to refer to the way that we perceive objects as wholes rather than as individual parts.
Kindergarten (German for "children's garden") refers to a preschool or nursery school.
Poltergeist (German for "noisy ghost") is a mischievous spirit that is said to cause disturbances such as knocking on walls or throwing objects.
Zeitgeist (German for "spirit of the times") is a term used to describe the prevailing intellectual and cultural climate of a particular era.

The adoption of German words into English is a testament to the close relationship between the two languages. It is also a reminder of the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped the English language.

2024-12-20

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