German Youth Word of the Year 2026: From ‘Süper’ to ‘Kuddelmuddel’ – A Linguistic Snapshot
Every year, German publisher Langenscheidt unveils the contenders for the German Youth Word of the Year (Jugendwort des Jahres), and 2026 is no exception. This year’s shortlist of ten candidates reflects the ever-evolving slang of German teenagers, with terms like “Süper” (a playful misspelling of “super”) and “Six-Seven” (meaning “all the same” or “whatever”) vying for the top spot. Other notable entries include “Crashout” (a mental breakdown) and “Gute Käse” (literally “good cheese,” used ironically to mean something is bad). The online voting, which began in August, will conclude on September 10, when the winner is announced. This annual tradition not only highlights youth creativity but also serves as a barometer for generational shifts in language.
Interestingly, the 2026 edition also features a parallel competition for Plattdeutsch Word of the Year, chosen by a professional jury. The winning term, “Kuddelmuddel” (meaning “chaos” or “mess”), was submitted by the Plattdeutsch class at the Evangelisches Schulzentrum Demmin, demonstrating active school involvement. The jury also awarded a youth prize to 16-year-old Jule Bolz for her entry “gnaddelig” (meaning “grumpy” or “fussy”) and honored the neologism “Tauhusmarachen” (a blend of “at home” and “working”) by Siegfried Kasten, which describes home-office work. This dual recognition underscores the importance of preserving regional dialects while celebrating modern linguistic innovation.
The selection process for the Youth Word of the Year is not without controversy. This year, Langenscheidt has emphasized special protection against insults and defamation in public life, ensuring that the voting remains respectful. The shortlist was curated from
Shimanta Das 
