The Role of Neologisms in German Literature: Usage and Recognition of Anglicisms

This study investigates the presence and function of neologisms in contemporary German literature, with a particular focus on Anglicisms. It examines how these new lexical items—whether directly borrowed from English or adapted into German—shape stylistic expression, reflect cultural identity, and influence reader perception. The research draws on a corpus of twenty novels published between 2010 and 2024, combining semantic analysis with close reading of literary contexts. Findings indicate that Anglicisms are not merely linguistic imports; they are frequently reshaped to fit German usage, often acquiring localized meanings. They serve to add authenticity, capture contemporary speech patterns, and position characters within specific social or generational groups. However, their integration can also present comprehension challenges, especially for readers less exposed to English. The paper concludes that while Anglicisms enrich the expressive resources of German literature, their effectiveness depends on purposeful and context-sensitive use.