What Is Denglish, And Where Is It Spoken?
Denglish, or ‘Germanized English’, is a dialect of English that has been influenced by German pronunciation and grammar, as well as by loanwords from German. It is spoken in many areas where there is a large German presence, including parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Alsace (France), and Northern Italy.
Understanding Denglish
Denglish is often referred to as a blend of German and English, with some words being spoken with a German accent and some by taking a German grammatical structure and applying it to an English word. It is not a language in itself, rather, it is the use of German words and phrases to enhance the understanding of spoken English. For example, a phrase like “Been there, done that” can be translated into Denglish as “da gewesen, gemacht.”
The use of Denglish is mainly limited to informal conversations or in situations where both speakers understand German and English, such as in an international business setting. It is used as a way to break the ice, show a common understanding of both languages, and provide a fun and comfortable way to really express oneself.
Examples of Denglish Words and Phrases
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Backpfeifengesicht – “a face you’d like to punch”, i.e., an ugly face.
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Schnurzpiepegal – “not caring at all”, i.e., not being bothered.
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Auf Bastelbude – “on a mission”, i.e., going somewhere with purpose.
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Hammer – “amazing”, i.e., something impressive.
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Heißluftgebläse – “hot air blower”, i.e., somebody who talks a lot and says nothing new or meaningful.
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Ochinso guat – “pretty cool”, i.e., impressive and enjoyable.
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Pfundskerl – “a jovial person”, i.e., a humorous, good-natured individual.
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Poenaldi Konferenz – “a boring conference”, i.e., something tiresome.
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Sitzenbleiber – “someone who stays at the same job too long”, i.e., a person who doesn’t seek out new opportunities.
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Super Happienday – “a really good day”, i.e., something great.
Benefits of Speaking in Denglish
Speaking in Denglish has a variety of benefits, particularly for those in an international business setting. It can create an understanding of shared knowledge and can bring teams closer together. It can also make for an effective way to communicate complex topics quickly and efficiently.
For those who travel to German-speaking countries, Denglish may help to bridge the language barrier and create a bond with locals. It also has the potential to be a great way to pick up both German and English, since it requires a comprehension of both languages.
Finally, speaking in Denglish can be a great way to practice a language while having fun. Whether it be with friends, colleagues, or locals, speaking in Denglish can create a fun learning environment and allow for creative expression.
Learning an Understanding of Denglish
- Find a German tutor or a German-speaking group.
A great way to learn Denglish is by finding a German tutor or a German-speaking group online where you can converse with others about the dialect. This can help to give you an understanding of the nuances of Denglish and help you to become more confident in speaking it.
- Listen to German radio and watch German TV shows.
The best way to become used to hearing German-influenced English is to spend time listening to German radio, watching German television shows, or reading German newspapers or magazines. This can be incredibly helpful in becoming familiar with both the sound and understanding of Denglish.
- Learn the basics of German.
Though it is not necessary to be fluent in German to understand and speak in Denglish, understanding the fundamentals of German grammar, pronunciation, and a few key words can be incredibly beneficial. This will help you to understand both the English and the German words, as well as providing you with a better understanding of context and meaning.
- Learn through online resources.
The internet has many great resources for anyone looking to learn more about Denglish. There are online lessons, videos, and websites dedicated to helping those learn and practice German-influenced English. Also, looking up German words in the dictionary can help with understanding the true meaning and context of the word in Denglish.
Denglish is quickly becoming more and more popular as a way for international business professionals to communicate quickly and effectively, as well as providing a fun way for non-native speakers to learn and experience both German and English. For those looking to learn more about Denglish and to become comfortable speaking it, consider taking advantage of the many online resources, finding a German tutor or German-speaking group, listening to German radio and TV, and learning the basics of German grammar and pronunciation.
