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What English words originated from Germany?

While English has borrowed words from many languages, German has contributed a significant amount to the English lexicon. Here are some categories and examples:

General Words:

* Kindergarten: Literally "children's garden," this word reflects the German concept of early childhood education.

* Doppelgänger: "Double walker," referring to a ghostly double or look-alike.

* Wanderlust: "Desire to wander," highlighting the German love for travel and exploration.

* Zeitgeist: "Spirit of the time," capturing the prevailing intellectual and cultural climate of a period.

* Schadenfreude: "Harm-joy," the pleasure derived from the misfortune of others.

* Gemütlichkeit: "Cosiness, congeniality," embodying the German concept of warmth and comfort.

Food and Drink:

* Bratwurst: "Fried sausage," a popular German food.

* Sauerkraut: "Sour cabbage," a fermented cabbage dish.

* Pumpernickel: "Peppery bread," a dark rye bread.

* Pretzel: "Knot," a bread baked in a knotted shape.

* Schnitzel: "Cutlet," a thin, breaded, and fried meat cutlet.

* Lager: "Storage," referring to the style of beer that's aged or stored.

Science and Technology:

* Diesel: After German engineer Rudolf Diesel, who invented the diesel engine.

* Frankfurter: After the German city of Frankfurt, where the sausage originated.

* Meerschaum: "Sea foam," a white clay used for making pipes.

* Kindergarten: See above.

Music and Literature:

* Lieder: "Songs," a broad term referring to various types of German songs.

* Gesamtkunstwerk: "Total work of art," emphasizing the fusion of different art forms.

* Bildungsroman: "Novel of education," a genre focusing on the intellectual and moral development of the protagonist.

Other:

* Blitzkrieg: "Lightning war," describing a rapid military offensive.

* Gestapo: "Secret state police," referring to the Nazi secret police.

* Sturm und Drang: "Storm and stress," a literary movement emphasizing emotional intensity.

Important Notes:

* This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other English words with German origins.

* The pronunciation of German words in English often differs from their pronunciation in German.

* The influence of German on English has been ongoing throughout history, with new words being adopted even today.

For a deeper understanding of German words in English, you can explore etymological dictionaries or online resources dedicated to word origins.

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