as a German word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a German word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to specify that a particular term or phrase originates from the German language. Example: "The term 'Schadenfreude' is often used in English as a German word to describe the pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tells how the word "bagpipes" really originate as a German word.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1876, when registering her business in Aalborg, she became one of the first officially recognized female photographers in Denmark when she gave her profession as "Photographin", a German word which clearly shows that she was a woman.

Wikipedia

Some of the terms Iyer chose to illustrate -- such as "schadenfreude," a German word that means the feeling of enjoyment derived from seeing the misery of others -- are more well-known examples of untranslatable words, while others are a bit less common.

Huffington Post

PARIS — As there is a German word for everything, so there is a German word for one of fashion's first world problems: "schwellenangst," the fear of crossing the threshold — into an intimidating museum, theater or, relevant to the example below, a shop.

The New York Times

In Germany, "The Giraffe" was released as "Meschugge"; the title comes from a German word that, like its familiar Yiddish cognate, means, roughly "nuts," and has no particular zoological connotation.

The New York Times

"Germany is no longer a tüchtig society," said Mark Wössner, using a German word that translates as able, competent or hard-working.

The New York Times

Betroffenheit (a German word which translates as "consternation") is a term that Pite and Young have used to denote the psychic and emotional meltdown that can occur after a disaster.

The Guardian

That's in large part because, during those same decades, West Germany had undertaken a self-administered "Vergangenheitsbewältigung," a mouthful of a German word that translates as something like "the overcoming of the past," and refers to the country's collective effort to grapple with the causes and legacies of the Nazi era.

The New York Times

Then there is one of the most chilling art exhibits this writer has ever encountered, that by Jenny Holzer, whose Lustmord series, named from a German word meaning murder as a sexual proclivity, consists of no more than two table tops overlain with bones assorted by anatomical classification, some with silver bands engraved with accounts of women raped, tortured and murdered in Bosnia.

Huffington Post

Heimat is a German word that roughly translates as heritage of place.

The New York Times - Travel

FOR years, Stefan Strumbel, a street artist born and raised in this small city in southwestern Germany, has wrestled with the idea of "heimat" — a German word that translates loosely as homeland or regional identity — and how his art should reflect it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as a German word", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are providing linguistic information about the origin of a specific term. Follow with a definition or explanation to aid understanding.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "as a German word" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "of German origin" or "from the German language" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a German word" functions as an appositive or an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by providing additional information about its origin. It indicates that the term in question is of German linguistic origin, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a German word" serves to identify the linguistic origin of a particular term, offering context and enhancing understanding, according to Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively low, mainly appearing in news, media and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives like "of German origin" or "from the German language" can provide stylistic variation. It's important to use this phrase judiciously and ensure clear communication when discussing words with German etymologies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally a German word

Specifies that the word's origin is German.

from the German

A shortened version emphasizing the language of origin.

a German term

Uses "term" instead of "word", implying a specific concept.

in the German language

Specifies the language in which the term originates.

of German origin

Focuses on the origin rather than the word being German.

a word of German origin

Highlights the origin using a different phrasing.

German in origin

Inverts the structure, placing "German" at the beginning.

derived from German

Highlights the derivation process from the German language.

borrowed from German

Implies that the word was adopted into another language from German.

German etymology

Focuses on the etymological roots of the word.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as a German word"?

You can use alternatives such as "of German origin", "from the German", or "derived from German" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as a German word"?

Use "as a German word" when you want to specifically highlight that a term originates from the German language, especially when discussing its meaning or etymology in a non-German context.

Is there a difference between "as a German word" and "in German"?

"As a German word" emphasizes the origin of the word, while "in German" simply indicates that the word exists and is used within the German language. For example, you might say, "Schadenfreude is used in English as a German word to describe pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune."

What does it mean when a word is described "as a German word"?

It signifies that the word has its roots in the German language. It may have been borrowed into other languages or is being used to convey a concept that is particularly well-expressed by the German term.