The German Language Society has chosen the term “crisis mode” as “Word of the Year” for 2023. “Anti-Semitism” came in second place, followed by “unable to read,” as the jury in Wiesbaden announced. As every year, she selected a list of ten words that have been dominant in public discussion in recent months and have had a significant impact on the year.
“The list reflects reality, and the reality is pretty bleak at the moment,” said GfdS managing director Andrea Ewels. Society has been in “crisis mode” since 2020, she said, with a view to the corona pandemic, Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the energy crisis, the poor education and Hamas’ attack on Israel. “The state of emergency has become a permanent state,” said Ewels. “This triggers fear, insecurity and powerlessness in people. These feelings dominate everyday life and you don’t know what will happen next.”
The “Word of the Year” was chosen by the GfdS for the first time in 1971 and regularly since 1977. This year the jury selected from 1,800 submissions and texts. The suggestions come from various media, and anyone can submit terms. “The decisive factor is not the frequency of an expression, but rather its significance and popularity,” says the website of the Society for the German Language. The selected words and phrases are not associated with any evaluation or recommendation. The jury, made up of linguists and media experts, is made up of the company’s board of directors and the scientific staff.
In 2022, “Zeitenwende” landed in first place. Olaf Scholz used the term in a government statement on February 27th of that year – three days after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The Chancellor wanted to describe the changes that Germany and the West as a whole are facing in the face of the war.