Words That Look German but Aren‘t119

The English language is a melting pot of words from many different languages, including German. As a result, there are many English words that look like they could be German, but actually aren't. Here are 15 examples:

1. Angst

This word is often used in English to mean "anxiety" or "dread." However, it actually comes from the Old English word "angst," which means "fear." The German word for "anxiety" is "Angst."

2. Blitz

This word is often used in English to refer to a sudden and violent attack. However, it actually comes from the German word "Blitz," which means "lightning." The term "blitzkrieg" (lightning war) was used to describe the German military strategy of launching a surprise attack with overwhelming force.

3. Bratwurst

This word is often used in English to refer to a type of German sausage. However, it actually comes from the German words "Brat" (sausage) and "Wurst" (sausage). The word "Bratwurst" is used in English to refer to a type of German sausage that is typically made from pork or beef.

4. Delicatessen

This word is often used in English to refer to a store that sells fine foods. However, it actually comes from the German word "Delikatessen," which means "delicacies." The word "delicatessen" is used in English to refer to a store that sells a variety of fine foods, such as cheese, meats, and pastries.

5. Doppelgänger

This word is often used in English to refer to a person who looks like someone else. However, it actually comes from the German words "Doppel" (double) and "gänger" (walker). The word "Doppelgänger" is used in English to refer to a person who looks like someone else, but is not related to them.

6. Fernweh

This word is often used in English to refer to a feeling of longing for a distant place. However, it actually comes from the German words "fern" (far) and "weh" (pain). The word "Fernweh" is used in English to refer to a feeling of longing for a distant place, especially a place that one has never been to.

7. Gesundheit

This word is often used in English to say "bless you" after someone sneezes. However, it actually comes from the German word "Gesundheit," which means "health." The word "Gesundheit" is used in English to say "bless you" after someone sneezes, as a way of wishing them good health.

8. Kindergarten

This word is often used in English to refer to a preschool or nursery school. However, it actually comes from the German words "Kinder" (children) and "garten" (garden). The word "Kindergarten" is used in English to refer to a preschool or nursery school, where children learn and play.

9. Lederhosen

This word is often used in English to refer to a type of leather shorts that is worn by men in Germany and Austria. However, it actually comes from the German words "Leder" (leather) and "Hosen" (trousers). The word "Lederhosen" is used in English to refer to a type of leather shorts that is typically worn by men in Germany and Austria, often during traditional festivals.

10. Oktoberfest

This word is often used in English to refer to a German beer festival that is held in Munich every year. However, it actually comes from the German words "Oktober" (October) and "fest" (festival). The word "Oktoberfest" is used in English to refer to a German beer festival that is held in Munich every year, typically in September and October.

11. Poltergeist

This word is often used in English to refer to a ghost or other supernatural being that is said to cause noisy disturbances. However, it actually comes from the German words "polter" (noisy) and "geist" (ghost). The word "Poltergeist" is used in English to refer to a ghost or other supernatural being that is said to cause noisy disturbances, such as knocking on walls or throwing objects.

12. Schadenfreude

This word is often used in English to refer to a feeling of pleasure that is derived from the misfortunes of others. However, it actually comes from the German words "Schaden" (harm) and "freude" (joy). The word "Schadenfreude" is used in English to refer to a feeling of pleasure that is derived from the misfortunes of others.

13. Schnitzel

This word is often used in English to refer to a type of breaded and fried cutlet that is made from veal or pork. However, it actually comes from the German word "Schnitzel," which means "cutlet." The word "Schnitzel" is used in English to refer to a type of breaded and fried cutlet that is typically made from veal or pork.

14. Strudel

This word is often used in English to refer to a type of pastry that is made from a thin sheet of dough that is rolled up with a filling. However, it actually comes from the German word "Strudel," which means "whirlpool." The word "Strudel" is used in English to refer to a type of pastry that is typically made from a thin sheet of dough that is rolled up with a filling, such as fruit, cheese, or meat.

15. Wanderlust

This word is often used in English to refer to a strong desire to travel. However, it actually comes from the German words "wandern" (to wander) and "lust" (desire). The word "Wanderlust" is used in English to refer to a strong desire to travel, especially to explore new and unfamiliar places.

2024-12-24

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