Germany's Apostrophe Debate
Curated by
elymc
3 min read
22,771
615
Germany's acceptance of the "idiot's apostrophe" for possessive forms with proper names has ignited debate, reflecting tensions between traditional German grammar and the evolving influence of globalization on language use, as new guidelines by the Council for German Orthography mark a significant shift in grammar rules.
Idiot's Apostrophe Explained
The "Deppenapostroph," or "idiot's apostrophe," refers to the use of an apostrophe to indicate possession in German, a practice traditionally considered incorrect but now gaining official acceptance12. Unlike English, German typically doesn't use apostrophes for possessives, instead relying on case endings. The term originated as a pejorative for what was seen as an unnecessary and anglicized punctuation habit. However, its widespread use, particularly in business names like "Rosi's Bar," led to the recent guideline changes2. It's important to note that this differs from the English "greengrocer's apostrophe," which incorrectly uses apostrophes for plurals (e.g., "potato's" instead of "potatoes")2.
2 sources
New Apostrophe Guidelines
The Council for German Orthography has introduced new guidelines for apostrophe usage, marking a significant shift in German grammar rules. These changes aim to accommodate widespread practices while maintaining some traditional restrictions:
- Apostrophes are now permissible with proper names to indicate possession, such as "Eva's Blumenladen" (Eva's Flower Shop) or "Peter's Taverne" (Peter's Tavern)12
- The rule applies only to proper names; common nouns should still follow traditional grammar (e.g., "Eva's Brille" remains incorrect)2
- These guidelines affect schools and public institutions in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking parts of Switzerland1
- The changes officially took effect in July 2024, though a 1996 rule relaxation had already made some apostrophe uses technically acceptable2
- The council emphasizes that while these forms are now permissible, they are not mandatory; traditional non-apostrophe forms remain correct12
2 sources
Criticism from Language Purists
The relaxation of apostrophe rules in German has sparked a backlash from language purists and traditionalists. Critics argue that the change represents a capitulation to English influence, with one detractor on LinkedIn dismissing it as "genuflecting to English"1. Some view the adoption of the "idiot's apostrophe" as a threat to the integrity of the German language, fearing it could lead to further erosion of linguistic traditions2.
- Concerns include the potential for confusion and inconsistency in written German
- Critics worry about the long-term impact on German grammar and language education
- Some see the change as unnecessary, given that German has functioned without widespread apostrophe use for centuries
- The debate has sparked discussions about language purity versus linguistic evolution in the face of globalization3
3 sources
Linguistic Evolution Context
The debate over the "idiot's apostrophe" in German reflects broader trends in linguistic evolution and the influence of globalization on language. This controversy highlights the tension between preserving traditional grammar rules and adapting to changing language use:
- English influence on German has been growing, with the apostrophe debate seen as part of a larger pattern of linguistic change12
- Historically, French was the primary foreign influence on German; now English plays that role1
- The viral success of German tongue twisters like "Rhabarberbarbara" on social media platforms demonstrates the playful adaptability of the language3
- Linguists like Anatol Stefanowitsch of the Free University of Berlin note that concerns about foreign influences on German are not new1
- The apostrophe debate reflects wider discussions about language purity versus natural evolution in an interconnected world24
- Some view the change as a necessary adaptation to modern communication needs, while others see it as an unnecessary concession to globalization56
6 sources
Related
How has the public reacted to the new apostrophe rules on social media
What are the main arguments for and against the new apostrophe guidelines
How do the new rules compare to those in other German-speaking countries
What impact do these changes have on German literature and publishing
Are there any notable figures in Germany supporting the new apostrophe rules