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My high-school German teacher would probably not recommend starting to learn the language with words like “Mindestabstandsregelung.” But like many “rules” in the last 12 months, this is another one I’m ignoring because who wouldn’t want to learn and use this word? This long word actually reflects what it means: social distancing.
Did you know that over 1,200 new German words have been documented in reference to COVID- 19?
The rest of the world seems quite enamored with the German language and their creation of some of these pandemic-related gems. This growing list compiled by the Leibniz Institute for the German Language has been making people laugh and cry, and it has given people a name for the many different experiences we’ve been facing throughout the pandemic. Here are a few of our favorites:
Coronamüde – Tired of COVID- 19.
Impfneid – Envy of others who have already been vaccinated.
Maskenmuffel – Someone who does not cover their nose in public spaces despite official rules.
Coronacouture – Designer or particularly unique face masks designed to stop the spread of the virus.
“For ‘Vogue’ boss Anna Wintour, everything in life feels somehow different. The state of emergency leads to a new perception of everyday things, she writes on the website of her magazine. […] The spectrum ranges from creations with plant ornaments and designs with geometric patterns to simple designs made of black organic cotton. Almost all items are currently sold out because of the demand for Corona couture far exceeds the offer. Masks are developing into the must-have of the season.” (New vocabulary about the corona pandemic)
Schweinestau – Pig jam. The delay in the processing and manufacturing of pig products as a result of restrictions during the pandemic.
Lockdownspeck – Lockdown bacon. Weight gain due to lack of exercise, stress, boredom and restrictions during the pandemic.
“Scientists have found that Austrians gain weight due to their current isolation. Online training from the University of Graz is now declaring war on the new love handles.” (New vocabulary about the corona pandemic)
Zellstoffhamster – Someone who keeps an unnecessarily large supply of toilet paper.
Glühweinhopping – Moving frequently from one glühwein-selling stand to the next.
“City imposes alcohol ban because of mulled wine hopping [...] That's it with the mulled wine consumption in Munich. Because of the high number of infections and because crowds of people were seen again and again at mulled wine stands, the city is now imposing a complete alcohol ban.” (New vocabulary about the corona pandemic)
Schniefscham – The very uncomfortable feeling of shame or embarrassment when you sneeze, “pull up (nasal) mucus” or breathe loudly through your nose in public.
Check out this list, which contains definitions and examples of the word’s usage, or read more about the collection of words here. Do you have any favorites that you hope to add into your German vocabulary?
