Wortbildung: Kontamination (Wortkreuzung) - Kofferwort, Schachtelwort & Portmanteauwort

Summary

This video explains the concept of word crossing or contamination in language, where two separate words blend to form a new one, unlike composition where the words remain distinct. Examples include 'Denglisch' (German + English) and 'Teuro' (expensive + Euro). These word crossings often involve dropping sounds or letters in the middle of the words. The video also touches on portmanteau words and contractions in German, such as 'am' (an dem). For further understanding of word formation, the presenter recommends a book exploring word structures in German and comparisons with other languages.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Wortkreuzung* (word crossing) is a German word formation process where two words are merged into a new one.
• 😀 This process differs from *Komposition* (composition), where words are simply combined without merging into a single unit.
• 😀 A well-known example of *Wortkreuzung* is *Denglisch*, a blend of *Deutsch* (German) and *Englisch* (English).
• 😀 Another example is *Teuro*, which combines *teuer* (expensive) and *Euro*, formed during the introduction of the Euro.
• 😀 In *Wortkreuzung*, parts of the original words, such as letters or syllables, are dropped and merged together.
• 😀 The resulting merged words are called *Kofferwörter* or *Portmanteau words*.
• 😀 The video suggests a book, *Warum die Wörter im Deutschen so lang sind*, for a deeper dive into word formation in German.
• 😀 The book explores topics like *Komposita* (compounds), *Deflation*, and German language characteristics compared to other languages.
• 😀 A special case of *Wortkreuzung* is *Kontraktion* (contraction), where words like prepositions and articles fuse.
• 😀 An example of *Kontraktion* is *am* (from *an dem*) or *beim* (from *bei dem*), where the two components are merged.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video explains the concept of word formation in German, focusing specifically on word combinations or 'word crossings' (Wortkreuzung).

How does 'Wortkreuzung' (word crossing) differ from 'Komposition' (composition)?

While both Wortkreuzung and Komposition involve combining two words, Wortkreuzung creates a new, unified word by merging parts of both words, unlike Komposition, which combines them without altering their form.

Can you give an example of a Wortkreuzung?

A well-known example of Wortkreuzung is the term 'Denglisch', which combines 'Deutsch' (German) and 'Englisch' (English), removing parts of the original words to form a new one.

What does the term 'Teuro' represent?

The term 'Teuro' was created around the turn of the century, merging 'teuer' (expensive) and 'Euro' to describe the inflated prices associated with the Euro currency.

How are the words 'Deutsch' and 'Englisch' merged in 'Denglisch'?

In the word 'Denglisch', the 'D' from 'Deutsch' and the 'englisch' from 'Englisch' are combined, while the rest of the word 'Deutsch' is omitted.

What is the significance of the word 'Teuro' in the context of Wortkreuzung?

'Teuro' is another example of Wortkreuzung where 'teuer' (expensive) and 'Euro' are merged, reflecting how linguistic elements from two words can blend to form a new concept.

What are 'Kofferwörter' (portmanteau words)?

Kofferwörter, or portmanteau words, are words created by combining parts of two different words. Examples include 'Denglisch' and 'Teuro'.

How is the word 'Euro' involved in the word 'Teuro'?

In the word 'Teuro', the word 'Euro' is combined with 'teuer' (expensive), where the 'Euro' part is retained, and the 't' sound from 'teuer' is used.

What is a special case of Wortkreuzung mentioned in the video?

A special case of Wortkreuzung is the contraction, where elements like prepositions and articles merge, such as in the words 'am' (an dem) or 'im' (in dem).

What is the focus of the book mentioned in the video?

The book titled 'Warum die Wörter im Deutschen so lang sind' (Why words in German are so long) explores the structure of words in German and compares it with other languages, focusing on word formation, deflation, and composition.