History of Europe

What are some German words that were changed during World War 1?

Several German words were changed or replaced during World War I due to the anti-British and anti-French sentiments prevalent in Germany at the time. Some examples include:

- The word "Engländer" (Englishman) was replaced with "Brite" to avoid using the term associated with the British Empire.

- "Franzose" (Frenchman) was replaced with "Gallier" as a reference to the ancient Gauls who inhabited parts of modern-day France.

- "Kaffee" (coffee) was changed to "Muckefuck" to distance itself from the French "café."

- "Pommes frites" (French fries) became "Kartoffelstäbchen" (potato sticks) to avoid the French connection.

- "Sekt" (sparkling wine) was replaced with "Perlwein" (pearl wine) to avoid the association with the French "vin sec."

These changes were primarily symbolic gestures that reflected the nationalist sentiments and hostility toward Britain and France during World War I. After the war, many of these words gradually reverted to their original forms.