We all know about “Handys” and “Drinks” and “Outsourcing.” English words that have entered the German language are either exhaustingly decadent or mind-numbingly capitalistic.
But German words that have been appropriated by the English tongue, on the other hand, are both diverse and seriously interesting.
Check out the top 10 German words in English here!
Many – like “shlep” – were absorbed into Anglo slang by way of Yiddish, while others – like “Ersatz” – crossed the English Channel during the Second World War, only to become mainly obsolete.
But others have taken their place, migrating like birds in the past few decades to be nurtured to rude health by young British kids everywhere.
So check out our latest Local List here, and marvel at the protean nature of your mother tongue(s).
Jacinta Nandi and Ben Knight
Member comments