Languages constantly evolve, blending and borrowing from one another. Nowhere is this more evident than in the German language, where English words, particularly verbs, are increasingly used in everyday speech, often supplanting their original German counterparts. This linguistic trend, known as Denglisch (a portmanteau of "Deutsch" and "Englisch"), has permeated not only spoken but also written German, reflecting both cultural shifts and the pervasive influence of English on global communication.
One of the most common English verbs now deeply embedded in the German language is "checken." It is frequently used instead of the German "überprüfen" or "kontrollieren." Whether it’s about checking an email or making sure everything is in order, "checken" has become the go-to verb in many contexts. Similarly, the verb "shoppen" has overtaken "einkaufen" in casual conversations. Whether it’s shopping for clothes or groceries, "shoppen" is preferred for its brevity and international flavor, especially among younger generations.
In the realm of sports and physical activities, the English influence is unmistakable. "Joggen," rather than the traditional "laufen" or "rennen," is commonly used to describe the activity of running for exercise. This term is so widespread that it has almost entirely replaced its German equivalents. Along the same lines, "trainieren" is often chosen over "üben" or "ausbilden" when referring to any form of physical training or practice, a testament to the influence of English fitness culture.
Another area where English verbs have taken root is in the digital and technological space. The verb "performen" is often used instead of "ausführen" or "durchführen" when discussing how well something works or is executed, particularly in technical contexts. Meanwhile, "testen" has become the preferred term over "prüfen" or "versuchen" when it comes to assessing functionality or quality, especially in software and product development.
Leisure activities are not immune to this linguistic shift either. The verb "chillen" has all but replaced "entspannen" or "sich ausruhen," especially among younger people, who might invite their friends to "chillen" rather than to relax. Similarly, "relaxen" often takes precedence over "entspannen" in everyday language, further illustrating the English language's reach into even the most personal aspects of life.
The verbs "parken" and "tanken," although they have long-standing roots in German, are interesting examples of how even slight changes can reflect the influence of English. While they originate from the English "to park" and "to tank," these terms are now so ingrained in German that their English origins are often overlooked. In contrast, their older German equivalents, "abstellen" (for "parken") and "auftanken" (for "tanken"), are used less frequently, especially in urban environments.
Lastly, in the context of everyday life, "pausen" is often chosen over "eine Pause machen" or "unterbrechen," especially in work and school environments where English is commonly used.
This increasing use of English verbs in German is not merely a passing trend but a sign of deeper cultural and societal changes. It highlights the growing internationalism of the German-speaking world, where English serves as a lingua franca, particularly in business, technology, and youth culture. While some purists may lament the erosion of traditional German, others see this evolution as a natural and enriching process, reflecting the dynamic nature of language itself.
The integration of these English verbs into German is not just about convenience or trendiness; it also points to a broader acceptance and adoption of global norms. Whether this shift will continue or lead to a more significant transformation of the German language remains to be seen.