Thank you Germany: Part 004: German is a unique language

Anyone who has grown up in Germany or has lived here for a long time learns to appreciate the German language. There are few other languages in which such long words can be formed.

Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitänswitwe is just one example of this. Composites are formed in German simply by joining different components together. Unlike in English, for example, this can create veritable tapeworms. The most important part is usually at the end.

It's no different with complete sentences. Few other languages can form such beautiful nested sentences. The actual action can be pushed right to the end of the sentence in the form of the verb that describes it. German is therefore correspondingly complicated. But it is also particularly unique. Many beautiful little words can also be found in its vocabulary.

The many writers who have worked in the country over the centuries have come up with quite a few ideas. When Germany chooses its most beautiful word of the year, many a linguistic "treasure" is expressed. Just as children keep beautiful finds in their pockets, the language has also been given some very special names over the years. German preserves many of them. But the language is not lacking in renewal either. It has a lively youth language that changes anew with every generation.

The digital age and communication via the internet has also had an impact on language. Even if some of today's new word creations come from the English-speaking world, there are also many beautiful German idioms. In any case, the Germans can be particularly proud of their language. This is also evident in the music scene. Although German folk music may have a bad reputation, bands such as "Einstürzende Neubauten", "Die Toten Hosen" or "KIZ" inspire a wide audience with their German lyrics.

Whatever taste in music everyone may have - all bands demonstrate the special expressive power of the German language. However, the path from poems to music is not a long one. Originally, many poems were recited in song. The songs of today's bands are also precisely composed. They have worked their way precisely through the linguistic material. There are rules that have been established for the artful use of language. Rhyme and rhythm need to be well harmonised.

The metre has to be right in a poem. Pop music, punk and rap also know how to use the German language correctly. The audience appreciates the lyrics of their favourite band just as much as the special rhythm of their songs. In lyrics and music, many artists have proven time and again that you can do great things with the German language. But some lyrics also wonderfully express the despair of a lack of expressiveness.

Even if you don't have the words, you can express this wonderfully in German. No wonder that German literature and philosophy also had their language crisis. In the end, however, everyone clings to the special possibilities of this language. Some exiles only returned to Germany after 1945 because of it. The German language can be used to say something very special.