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Friday, September 25, 2020

German Words in Our Daily Conversation

Aloha Everyone,

Thanks to Arminius, who commanded an alliance of Germanic tribes at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, Germany was never conquered by the Romans.

As I spend my time trying to study multiple languages, it is interesting to note that while Italian, Spanish, French share Latin root and even Greek root, German language stands alone. 

However, the English language contains numerous German words that have been adopted into our vocabulary. I believe most of us native English speakers use them without much thought about their origin.

Here is a short list for you to ponder:

  • Kindergarten Kinder = children, Garten = garden
  • Angst = fear
  • Blitz = lightning
    Krieg = war
    War of lightning
  • Apple strudel - Strudel = swirl
  • Sauerkraut = sauer = sour
    Kraut = herb; cabbage
  • Volkswagen Volk = people, nation
    Wagen = car, cart
  • Gesundheit = health
  • Iceberg = Berg = mountain
    Mountain of ice

Aloha -- Cathi