Youth Word 2026: Does 'Multi-purpose Eggs' Stand a Chance?

The German publisher Pons Langenscheidt has begun accepting nominations for its "Youth Word of the Year" for 2026, but a provocative term has already captured attention. Several variations of "Mehrzweckeier" (multi-purpose eggs) have been submitted, according to the publisher.

While the exact spelling of the submitted terms remains confidential to avoid influencing the vote, "Mehrzweckeier" is believed to be a variation of "Merz leck Eier." This phrase gained traction several months ago during protests by young people against mandatory military service. Notably, an 18-year-old protester in Berlin was investigated by police for alleged defamation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz after displaying a sign with this slogan.

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With the 'Youth Word of the Year,' we are looking for terms that are firmly part of young people's vocabulary and are therefore used naturally in everyday life. We also communicate the exclusion criteria transparently and openly every year.

Pons Langenscheidt's Marketing Manager, Artur Reiser, explained that the competition seeks terms that are genuinely part of young people's everyday vocabulary. The publisher transparently communicates exclusion criteria, which include "obvious fakes and campaigns initiated by individual groups or influencers, as well as terms with insulting, racist, discriminatory, or sexist character."

The nomination period runs until July 17. Reiser stated that the publisher will monitor the voting process before deciding on further actions and revealing the top 10 on July 28. The competition is open to everyone, but only votes from individuals aged 11 to 20 will be included in the official evaluation. Last year's winner was "Das crazy," described by the jury as an "all-purpose weapon of speechlessness."

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Obvious fakes and campaigns initiated by individual groups or influencers, as well as terms with insulting, racist, discriminatory, or sexist character.