English is a language rich with words borrowed from other tongues, a testament to its dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Over the centuries, English has adopted a multitude of words from German, many of which are used so regularly that speakers may not even be aware of their origins. These Germanic contributions range from terms for food and music to psychology and philosophy, reflecting the broad tapestry of cultural exchange. In this article, we will explore some of these common German words used in English, their definitions, and how they are incorporated into everyday language.

Kindergarten
From the German words “Kinder” (children) and “Garten” (garden), Kindergarten denotes a school or class for young children, usually between the ages of four and six, that serves as a transition from home to the commencement of formal schooling.
The children were excited on their first day of Kindergarten.

Schadenfreude
A compound of “Schaden” (harm) and “Freude” (joy), Schadenfreude describes the pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune. While it may sound pessimistic, it’s a feeling many can relate to, even if unwilling to admit it.
There was a sense of Schadenfreude among competitors when the front-runner tripped during the race.

Wanderlust
Constructed from “wandern” (to wander) and “Lust” (desire), Wanderlust refers to the strong desire to travel or to have a passion for adventure and exploring new places.
His wanderlust led him to travel across multiple continents in a year.

Gesundheit
Directly translated as “health,” Gesundheit is an exclamation used in English-speaking countries to wish good health to someone who has just sneezed, akin to saying “bless you.”
“Gesundheit!” he said, as his colleague sneezed during the meeting.

Poltergeist
With “poltern” (to make noise) and “Geist” (ghost), a Poltergeist is a type of ghost or supernatural being responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed.
They were terrified by the strange occurrences and concluded it must be a poltergeist.

Rucksack
The German equivalent of “backpack,” a Rucksack refers to a bag with shoulder straps, carried on the back, and typically used by hikers or students.
He packed his rucksack with supplies for the long hike.

Zeitgeist
Merging “Zeit” (time) with “Geist” (spirit), Zeitgeist captures the intellectual, cultural, ethical, and political climate, ambiance, or spirit of an era.
The film captured the Zeitgeist of the early 2000s perfectly.

Doppelgänger
Consisting of “Doppel” (double) and “Gänger” (goer), a Doppelgänger is a look-alike or double of a living person, often thought to bring bad luck in folklore.
He was shocked when he met his Doppelgänger at the party; they even had the same laugh.

Angst
Derived from the same word in German, Angst signifies a deep, existential sense of dread or anxiety about the human condition or the state of the world.
Reading the news these days often fills me with an overwhelming sense of Angst.

Kitsch
Kitsch applies to art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste due to excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.
She enjoyed decorating her kitchen with kitsch items she found at the flea market.

English continues to evolve, and as it does, the contribution of German words remains palpable. These loanwords exemplify the cultural connections and shared ideas that tie languages and people together. Whether it’s the thrill of wanderlust, the experience of Angst, or the joys of childhood in kindergarten, the German language has enriched English with a diverse range of terms that deepen our expression and understanding of the world.