Lehnwort Glossary of terms

A Lehnwort is a word adopted from another language and incorporated into one's own vocabulary with possible adaptations.

Detailed Explanation

Lehnwörter enrich a language's vocabulary, often filling lexical gaps or providing new nuances. They can undergo phonetic, orthographic, or morphological adaptations to better integrate into the receiving language.

Their use can be due to cultural influences, technological advances, or prolonged linguistic contact. Over time, many loanwords become so assimilated that native speakers do not perceive their foreign origin.

Usage examples of "Lehnwort"