(…) In today’s globalized world, languages freely borrow from each other, and with German and English stemming from the same family of languages, cross-pollination occurs with particular ease, both in adopting full words into the lexicon and creating hybrids. In fact, a language term exists for this blending of English words into German words, phrases, or sentences: “Denglisch.”

“Denglisch” itself is a “Denglisch” word — how meta! — fusing the words Deutsche and English and sandwiching in a “c” for Germanic effect, though “Denglish” is also common spelling. The unofficial sub-language of Denglisch has been evolving for quite some time, though “Denglisch” itself is not an official term and carries a number of meanings. It can refer to the practice of adding a German twist to English words, as the case would be with “babysitten” for “to babysit.” It also can allude to the superfluous use of pure English words and phrases in German, or the practice of misappropriating or creating fake English words to add to the German language, such as “showmaster” for television presenter.

There has been plenty of pushback in Germany. In June, the higher-ups at national railway operator Deutsche Bahn issued a guide detailing more than 2,000 English terms employees should refrain from using, instead substituting the original, official German words. The purification push was at the urging of Germany’s transport minister, Peter Ramsauer, who has been aggressive in keeping German, well, German. For instance, the handout advised “handzetteln,” the official German word for “flyer” or “leaflet,” to be used instead of the Denglisch “flyern.” More.

See: The Week

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