Learning a new language can be challenging, but identifying cognates—words that are spelled the same and share the same meaning in two languages—is one of the easiest ways to boost your vocabulary. Both English and German belong to the Germanic branch of languages and share many such words. In fact, English has borrowed quite a lot of words directly from German throughout history.
If you’re an English speaker learning German, it can be helpful and more enjoyable to recognize these common words. Let’s explore some familiar English words that are actually German in origin!
1. Everyday Words
There are many words you use daily in English that originated in German. Some were borrowed directly from German; others came from shared Germanic roots.
- Kindergarten – First used in Germany to describe an early childhood educational setting, this term literally means “children’s garden.”
- Dachshund – The name comes from the German for “badger dog” (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog).
- Wanderlust – This sophisticated word encapsulates a strong desire to travel and see the world.
- Rucksack – A common term for a backpack, particularly in hiking and outdoor contexts.
- Angst – In both English and German, it is used to indicate fear or anxiety, though in English it can imply deeper existential worry.
- Delicatessen – From Delikatessen (“delicacies”), referring to shops that sell specialty foods.
2. Science & Philosophy Terms
Germany has long been at the forefront of scientific and philosophical thought, and several concepts from these fields have made their way into English.
- Gestalt – A psychological concept emphasizing the perception of complete forms or patterns, rather than just their individual parts.
- Übermensch – A philosophical concept coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, often translated as “overman” or “superman.”
- Zeitgeist – Literally “spirit of the times,” referring to the intellectual or cultural climate of a particular era.
- Kitsch – This originally German term is used to describe art or objects considered gaudy or overly sentimental.
- Doppelgänger – Literally “double walker,” used to denote someone’s double or ghostly twin.
3. Food & Drink Terms
German cuisine has also enriched the English language, bringing in several food-related words.
- Bratwurst – A sausage made from pork, beef, or veal.
- Pretzel – From the German Brezel, these knotted baked snacks are popular worldwide.
- Strudel – A scrumptious pastry, typically filled with apples (most famously known as Apfelstrudel).
- Sauerkraut – Fermented cabbage, a cornerstone of German cooking.
- Hamburger – The global sandwich favorite, named after the German city of Hamburg.
4. Fun & Quirky Words
Some German words have joined English unchanged because they express ideas that don’t have an exact equivalent in English.
- Schadenfreude – Pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune.
- Poltergeist – A noisy or troublesome ghost (Poltern = to make noise, Geist = ghost/spirit).
- Wunderkind – A child prodigy; literally “wonder child.”
- Blitz – Meaning “lightning” in German, used in English to describe something sudden or intense (e.g., a “news blitz”).
Conclusion
Mastering these English-German cognates is a great way to enhance your German vocabulary. Since you already know these words, they’re easier to remember and use when you speak. The more you learn about German, the more you’ll notice just how much English has borrowed from it!
Are there any other German words you’ve noticed in English? Share them in the comments below!
