Buchstabensalat mit Tiefeneffekt
From preserving nearly extinct languages to learning the lingua france, words are the basis for communication.
From "döner murders" to "moors' heads," German is full of discriminatory terms. Each year, a jury of prominent linguists announces the "Faux Pas Word of the Year" - but there is no shortage to choose from. (15.01.2013)
A German publisher has plans to rerelease a classic children's book - without the racist words found in the original. Experts are split on whether the past should be cleaned up, or preserved so it can be discussed. (11.01.2013)
For those learning German, choosing between the informal "du" and the formal "Sie" to address someone can be tricky. But even for native German speakers, it's getting harder to decide - after all, language changes. (05.01.2013)
For years, Latin has barely had a pulse as a subject of serious study. Now, a student-led renaissance is underway in Germany, with many schools playing catch-up. The trend, however, has not spread to other countries. (18.09.2012)
The European Union can seem impenetrable to outsiders. But in the past few years, the EU has taken a number of active steps to improve transparency. They’ve started by tackling the issue of jargon-heavy language. (18.09.2012)
Young refugees are learning German with the classics. Performing modified and modernized versions of works by Goethe gives them the courage and confidence they need to participate in a new, foreign society. (03.09.2012)
German is often considered a difficult language with very confusing rules of grammar. But the European debt crisis seems to help German to some sort of a renaissance. Language courses are in high demand. (19.08.2012)
Do you ever experience performance anxiety before a math exam, a first date or acting in a play? Here's some advice inspired by a grimy German metaphor used to describe the phenomenon.
Some Germans lament, "Our language has never been in worse shape." And some even worry an English invasion will make their language obsolete. What better time to worry than on International Mother Language Day.
Do you sink or swim?
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Ask people what German bands they've heard of, and they're likely to say Rammstein or Kraftwerk. But Germany's pop landscape is diverse with a lot to discover. DW presents concerts and portraits in this monthly podcast.
Each week our Arts.21 reporters scour Germany's cultural scene and present you with a selection of their best finds.
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