Yiddish is a Germanic language — spoken by Ashkenazi Jews
There are several words from Yiddish that have made their way into both German and English, particularly in American English where there has been significant influence from Jewish immigrant communities. Yiddish itself is a Germanic language, historically spoken by the Ashkenazi Jews, and it shares many similarities and vocabulary with German. Here are some common words that illustrate the overlap between German, Yiddish, and English:
- Schmooze:
- Yiddish: שמועסן (shmuesn), meaning to chat or converse.
- English: To engage in an informal conversation, especially in a business context to network or form relationships.
- Schlep:
- Yiddish: שלעפּן (shlepn), meaning to drag or haul.
- English: To carry or move something heavy or cumbersome.
- Nosh:
- Yiddish: נאַשן (nashn), meaning to snack or eat.
- English: To eat a snack or nibble on food.
- Klutz:
- Yiddish: קלאָץ (klots), literally “block of wood,” used to describe a clumsy person.
- English: A clumsy, awkward person.
- Kosher:
- Yiddish: כּשר (kosher), from Hebrew, meaning fit or proper.
- English: Referring to food that meets Jewish dietary regulations, or more broadly, something legitimate or acceptable.
- Schmaltz:
- Yiddish: שמאַלץ (shmalts), literally meaning “chicken fat.”
- English: Used metaphorically to describe excessive sentimentality, especially in music or literature.
- Gelt:
- Yiddish: געלט (gelt), meaning money.
- English: Often used to refer to money given as a gift, particularly during Hanukkah.
- Mensch:
- Yiddish: מענטש (mentsh), meaning a person of integrity and honor.
- English: Someone of noble character, an upright, honorable person.
These examples reflect how languages can intertwine and influence one another, especially within multicultural societies where communities interact closely. Yiddish, in particular, serves as a fascinating bridge between German and English, carrying cultural as well as linguistic heritage.
In addition to the specific words shared between Yiddish, German, and English, there are broader concepts and more general terms that are common across these languages, reflecting shared cultural or historical experiences. Here are some additional examples:
- Gesundheit:
- German: “Gesundheit” literally means “health” and is said when someone sneezes, similar to the English “bless you.”
- English: Adopted directly from German, it is commonly used in the same context after someone sneezes.
- Wunderkind:
- German: “Wunderkind” literally means “wonder child.” It is used to describe someone who achieves great success at a young age.
- English: Directly adopted from German, used to refer to a prodigy or someone exceptionally talented in their field at a young age.
- Doppelgänger:
- German: “Doppelgänger” means “double walker,” a look-alike or double of a living person.
- English: This word is used in the same way to describe a double or look-alike, often carrying a sense of eerie or mystical implications.
- Poltergeist:
- German: “Poltergeist” combines “poltern” (to make noise) and “Geist” (ghost), referring to a ghost that makes noise, moves objects, or creates disturbances.
- English: Used in the same way, often in discussions about the paranormal.
- Kindergarten:
- German: “Kindergarten” literally means “children’s garden” and is the term used for a preschool educational approach that emphasizes play and nurturing.
- English: The term is directly borrowed and is used to describe early childhood education environments that prepare children for school.
- Realpolitik:
- German: “Realpolitik” refers to politics or diplomacy based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than explicit ideological notions or moral or ethical premises.
- English: Adopted in the same sense, it describes a pragmatic or objective approach to politics, especially in international relations.
- Delicatessen:
- German: “Delicatessen” in German means “delicacies” or “fine foods” and is derived from the French “délicatesse.”
- English: Shortened to “deli,” it refers to a shop or counter specializing in prepared foods or unusual or foreign prepared foods.
- Angst:
- German: “Angst” means “fear” or “anxiety.”
- English: Adopted with a slightly more philosophical connotation, often used to describe an existential dread or deeper anxiety about the human condition.
These examples highlight how German has contributed significantly to English vocabulary, often bringing with it deeper cultural, philosophical, or practical meanings.