Beautiful words

Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung ^ | December 31, 2004 | A.N.Other

[ijcr]

Germans are (sic) occupied in a search for the most beautiful word in the language during the second half of the year.

The competition organized by the German language council and the Goethe Institute was designed to jazz up the dull image of the German language as being too dry, difficult and impossible to learn.

People from around the world are asked to submit their favorite word and justify their choice. Habseligkeiten, which means ”belongings,” is selected as the most beautiful word in German.

The submission comes from Doris Kalka who says the word has less to do with property and more with the joy or pity that comes from having certain objects.

The runner-up entry in the quiz is Geborgenheit, which means security or the feeling of being safe, cared for, even loved. Liebe, ”love” was the most popular choice.

[ijcr]

I would have voted for:- Oberammergaueralpenkräuterdelikatessenfrühstückskäse, but then I am passionate about cheese at breakfast.

[Little Pig]

I would have voted for "Schadenfreude", but then, I have a wide cynical streak.

[Piquaboy]

I would think that they would pick "Socialism" as their most beautiful word. They seem to want to live it.

[grobdriver]

Too many people with too much time on their hands.

Kind of like us.

:)

[Joe 6-pack]

I was always partial to...

..."Edelwiess"....

[Yo-Yo]

"Bier"

[Paradox]

Beautiful German Word is an oxymoron, like "Honest Liberal".

[freedomcrusader]

Beat me to it. My vote definitely goes to "Schadenfreude".

[sgtbono2002]

How do you say Orgasm in German?

[Fierce Allegiance]

How do you say Kournikova in german?"

[Grut]

How about "fahrfenugen", as in "It may be fahrfenugen on the freeway but it's schrecklich in the shop."

[Disambiguator]

I vote for "500K".

[talleyman]

Mmmm... Bier! Jawol!

[kkalman]

How about "Gemuetlichkeit"

[quark]

German Lesson #7

Dog: Barkenpantensniffer
Dog Catcher: Barkenpantensniffersnatcher
Dog Catcher's Truck: Barkenpantensniffersnatcherwagen
Garage for Truck: Barkenpantensniffensnatcherwagenhaus
Truck Repairman: Barkenpantensniffensnatcherwagen-mechanikerwerker
Mechanic's Union: Barkenpantensniffensnatcherwagen- mechanikerwerkerfeatherbedden-gefixengruppe

Doctor: Chestergethumpenpulsentooker
Nurse: Chestergethumpenpulsentookerhelper
Hypodermic Needle: Chestergethumpenpulsentooker-helperhurtensticker
Backside: Chestergethumpenpulsentooker-helperhurtenstickerstabbenplatz

Piano: Plinkenplankenplunkenbox
Pianist: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder
Piano Stool: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder-spinnenseat
Piano Recital: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder-offengeshowenspelle
Fathers at the Recital: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder- offengeshowenspellensnoozengruppe
Mothers at the Recital: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder- offengeshowenspellensnoozen-gruppenuppenwakers

Automobile: Honkenbrakenscreecher
Gasoline: Honkenbrakenscreecherzoomerjuicen
Driver: Honkenbrakenscreecherguidenschtunker
Auto Mechanic: Honkenbrakenscreecherknockengepinger-sputtergefixer
Repair Bill: Bankenrollergebustenuptottenliste

[talleyman]

Rollenonfloorenlaffenmeinassenoffen!!!

[Defiant]

Habseligkeiten, which means ”belongings,” is selected as the most beautiful word in German.

Any word that makes you spit on yourself is NOT beautiful. My favorite word at the moment is "aufveitersehein" or however the hell you spell it. "Alt" as in Alt Europe, would be a good choice. However, even better German words are Rumsfeld, Franks, Schwartzkopf and Eisenhower.