German Loanwords in English32

The English language has borrowed many words from other languages throughout its history, and German is one of the most significant contributors. German loanwords can be found in all areas of English vocabulary, from everyday words like "kindergarten" and "rucksack" to more technical terms like "zeitgeist" and "weltanschauung."

There are several reasons why German has had such a strong influence on English. First, the two languages are closely related, both being members of the Germanic language family. This means that they share many common roots, which makes it easy for English speakers to learn German words and vice versa. Second, Germany has been a major political and economic power for centuries, and its culture has had a significant impact on the rest of Europe and the world. This has led to the adoption of many German words into English.

Here are some of the most common German loanwords in English:
angst (n.) - fear, anxiety
blitz (n.) - a sudden, violent attack
ersatz (n.) - a substitute
li>geist (n.) - a spirit, ghost, or mind
kaput (adj.) - broken, ruined
kindergarten (n.) - a preschool for young children
rucksack (n.) - a backpack
zeitgeist (n.) - the spirit of the times
weltanschauung (n.) - a worldview

These are just a few examples of the many German loanwords that have been adopted into English. The presence of these words in English is a testament to the close relationship between the two languages and the significant impact that German culture has had on the English-speaking world.

In addition to the words listed above, there are many other German loanwords that are used in English, particularly in technical and academic fields. Some examples include:
über (prefix) - over, above
unter (prefix) - under, below
auf (prefix) - on, upon
ab (prefix) - off, away
aus (prefix) - out, of
durch (prefix) - through
mit (prefix) - with

These prefixes are used to create compound words that have a wide range of meanings. For example, the word "übermensch" (superman) is made up of the prefix "über" (over) and the word "mensch" (man). The word "unterseeboot" (submarine) is made up of the prefix "unter" (under) and the word "see" (sea). These prefixes are essential for understanding the meaning of many German compound words.

German loanwords have made a significant contribution to the English language. They have enriched our vocabulary and given us new ways to express ourselves. The presence of German loanwords in English is a testament to the close relationship between the two languages and the significant impact that German culture has had on the English-speaking world.

2025-02-06

Previous：How to Pronounce Lesson 13 Japanese Words

Next：How to Pronounce “pe“ in Korean