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Spelling test: How well do you master the new German orthography?
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Spelling test: How well do you master the new German orthography?

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A German spelling test challenges readers on the nuances of the country's reformed orthography, introduced 30 years ago.
  • The reform aimed to simplify complex rules and standardize spelling, but some new regulations continue to cause confusion.
  • The article invites readers to test their knowledge of German spelling rules.

Thirty years after its introduction, Germany's spelling reform continues to present challenges, prompting a new test to gauge readers' understanding of the current rules. The reform, adopted in the summer of 1996 and gradually implemented in schools and authorities, aimed to simplify German orthography and standardize spelling.

German spelling is not easy. It never was.

— Article authorIntroducing the topic of the complexity of German spelling.

However, the changes introduced new complexities that still confuse many. The article highlights common points of confusion, such as the distinction between "spazieren gehen" and "spazierengehen," and the existence of both "Kiefer" (jaw) and "Kiefern" (pines) in the language. These nuances often require memorization rather than logical deduction for learners.

Whether one writes 'spazieren gehen' or 'spazierengehen' can probably be logically deduced by very few. And who wants to explain why there are 'die Kiefer' (the jaw) and 'die Kiefern' (the pines) in the plural?

— Article authorProviding examples of confusing German spelling rules.

The reform's goal was to eliminate certain eccentricities and Germanize foreign words. While some aspects were standardized, the inherent complexity of the German language means that mastering its spelling remains a significant task for both native speakers and learners.

Some things have to be memorized. Anyone learning the German language has a hard time.

— Article authorHighlighting the need for memorization in learning German spelling.

Die Zeit invites readers to take a test to assess their knowledge of the reformed German spelling. The test covers various aspects of the orthography, reflecting the ongoing effort to navigate and understand the language's evolving rules.

At least a few eccentricities were to be eliminated with it, and foreign words Germanized.

— Article authorStating one of the goals of the 1996 spelling reform.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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