What is Germlisch?

Americans typically know the meaning of "Spanglish." "Germlisch" is the German-English counterpart, however, it wasn't until after I had dubbed it "Germlisch" that I found out most people call it "Denglisch."

Wikipedia says: Denglisch (German spelling) or Denglish (English spelling) is a portmanteau of the German words Deutsch and Englisch. Used in all German-speaking and Dutch-speaking countries, it describes an influx of English, or pseudo-English, vocabulary into the German or Dutch language through travel and the widespread usage of English in advertising, business[1] and information technology. Synonyms are Gerglish, Germish, Angleutsch and Engleutsch.


I started using the phrase "Germlisch" after I started learning the German language while living in Germany. However, I did not learn my German the conventional way. Most people take what is call an Integration Course in which they learn the language among other necessary aspects to the German way of life. I, however, did not. I learned my German with books, the internet, and my family. This was NOT easy to do! In fact, I was SO self-conscious about my German language skills that the first year I was in Germany, I became a bit of a hermit. I didn't work and had no friends outside of my family and, thus, spent my days in my house, alone, on the computer. I didn't even venture out alone into the small village that we used to live in until almost a year of living there! My German is still far from perfect, but luckily, 3.5 years after living in Germany, I am able to have a somewhat normal conversation in the German language.

It's completely natural for husband and I to speak in English, as that is the language that we spoke when we met, and he learned English in school. (English is taught in nearly every school Germany-wide from about the age of 8, and in some places, taught in Pre-Schools.) A typical conversation between us will consist of about 70% English and 30% German. This 70/30 split is not split up between sentences. Often times my sentences will get mixed up with half English and half German. Why? Simply because I'm speaking way too fast for my brain to work, and whatever comes out, comes out. I'll often start a sentence in English and end it in German, or vice versa. While my husband and I speak this funny "Germlisch" language, my stepsons do not. I assume that it is because Kev is fresh out of school (he's 20), and Chris (who is 15) is still in school. The English they learned is still fresh in their brains. When they speak with their father they speak in German, of course. And with me they speak English. There are no "mixed up sentences" with the boys, which is good. There shouldn't be!

The great thing about having a bilingual house is that Pea Baby (coming February 2012!) will grow up with both languages. I plan on speaking 100% English with him, and husband plans on speaking 100% German (as do the boys). I've already been scoping out English playgroups in the city close to my home, so that Pea Baby will be around more English speakers. I hope that we can successfully teach Pea Baby both the English and German languages.

5 comments:

  1. I know there are some international schools/pre-schools in Germany. A friend of mine had her daughter in one. I don't know if there are any in your area. And we speak this funky mash up too. My mom and I cannot speak proper German anymore!!!! :)

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    1. I actually have already Google searched for both of those in my area. Unfortunately, the Dresden International School is just TOO expensive for us. I might be able to get him in an English-speaking daycare at some point in the future, though. :)

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  2. You're learning German very much the way my husband is learning. It work for him. Although it's weird to me when he speaks German to me, it's the last thing I expect from him. Thank goodness I finally kicked the habit of laughing when he tries to speak German.

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    1. I recently got my Residence Permit extended, and this time it has been changed from a "Temporary" one to a "Permanent" one. While I did not do the German Integration Course, I spoke German with the ladies at the city offices and they declared my German good enough. YAY ME! :)

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  3. I grew up in Heidelberg :) I miss Germany so much

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