Did you know that when you say kindergarten, pretzel, or wanderlust, you’re actually speaking German? Over the years, English has borrowed words from many languages, and German has had a significant influence! Let’s explore 50 common English words that are actually German. You may be surprised at how many are already a part of your daily vocabulary! Let’s get started right away!
Science and Philosophy Terms
English has borrowed many technical and intellectual terms from German, especially in the realms of science and philosophy:
| Kitsch | Originally described tasteless art or objects, now refers to something overly sentimental or gaudy. |
| Zeitgeist | Means “spirit of the times,” used to describe the cultural mood of an era. |
| Übermensch | Nietzsche’s term for an individual with superior qualities, beyond conventional human limitations. |
| Gestalt | In psychology, it refers to perceiving something as a whole rather than as individual parts. |
| Schadenfreude | Taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune. |
| Weltanschauung | A comprehensive worldview or philosophy of life. |
| Dasein | A term used in existential philosophy to describe the experience of being. |
| Erlebnis | Denotes a profound personal experience. |
| Bildungsroman | A coming-of-age story, typically following the moral and psychological growth of a character. |
| Fach | In opera, this term refers to a singer’s specific vocal range and type of roles they perform. |
Food and Culinary Words
Germany’s culinary influence has resulted in several words making their way into English, many referring to beloved dishes:
| Bratwurst | A type of German sausage, commonly grilled and served with mustard. |
| Schnitzel | Breaded and fried meat, usually pork or veal. |
| Sauerkraut | Fermented cabbage, a staple in many German dishes. |
| Pretzel | A twisted, baked bread, often salted and served with beer. |
| Lager | A type of beer brewed at low temperatures for a crisp flavor. |
| Pumpernickel | A dense, dark rye bread. |
| Wiener | A type of sausage, often called a “hot dog” in English. |
| Strudel | A layered pastry, often filled with fruit or cheese. |
| Kirsch | A clear cherry brandy from Germany. |
| Muesli | A mixture of oats, nuts, and dried fruits eaten as a breakfast cereal. |
Everyday Words and Expressions
Some German words have seamlessly become part of everyday English vocabulary:
| Kindergarten | Literally “children’s garden,” referring to preschool education. |
| Angst | A feeling of anxiety, dread, or existential worry. |
| Blitz | Means “lightning,” but used to describe fast, overwhelming events (e.g., “media blitz”). |
| Wanderlust | The strong desire to travel and explore. |
| Poltergeist | A mischievous, noisy ghost. |
| Noodle | Derived from Nudel, used for pasta. |
| Doppelgänger | A look-alike or double of a living person. |
| Über | Meaning “over” or “super,” it’s used in English to mean something extreme (e.g., “über-cool”). |
| Rucksack | A backpack, particularly one used for outdoor activities like hiking. |
| Delicatessen | A shop selling fine, prepared foods (often shortened to “deli”). |
Cultural and Artistic Terms
Germany’s rich artistic history has introduced some highly specific and useful terms into English:
| Leitmotif | This word comes from the German word Leitmotiv. It means a recurring theme or musical phrase associated with a character or idea. |
| Gesamtkunstwerk | A total work of art that combines multiple forms (e.g., music, drama, and visual arts). |
| Doppelgänger | A double or look-alike of a person, often used in literature. |
| Wunderkind | A child prodigy with exceptional talent. |
| Walzer (Waltz) | A popular ballroom dance style from the 18th century. |
| Fest | Refers to a festival or celebration (e.g., Oktoberfest). |
| Lied | A German art song, particularly from the Romantic period. |
| Meister | Meaning “master,” often used to describe someone skilled in a craft or art. |
| Volkslied | A traditional folk song. |
| Märchen | A folk tale or fairy tale. |
Technology and Engineering Terms
Germany’s history of innovation in engineering and technology has also left its mark on the English language:
| Diesel | Named after Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine. |
| Zeppelin | A type of large airship, made famous by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. |
| Glockenspiel | A percussion instrument with tuned metal bars struck with a mallet. |
| Quartz | A mineral commonly used in watches and electronics. |
| Rucksack | A bag or backpack, often used by travelers or hikers. |
| Autobahn | A German highway system with no speed limit in certain areas. |
| Mechatronics | A multidisciplinary field combining mechanics, electronics, and computing. |
| Panzer | Refers to armored military vehicles, particularly tanks. |
| Sturm | Meaning “storm,” often used in military contexts (e.g., Sturmtruppen, meaning stormtroopers). |
| Schraube | The German word for “screw,” used in various technical contexts. |
And there you have it—50 common English words that actually come from German! From scientific terms to food and cultural expressions, the influence of German on English runs deeper than you might think.
Want to expand your German vocabulary even further? Download the FluenDay app today! It’s packed with useful expressions and vocabulary to help take your German to the next level.
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