German Exonyms: Why Places Are Named The Way They Are.

Until recently, I wasn't aware that German Exonyms was a thing, or even exonyms in general. Let alone this being something to have a passing interest in if linguistic study isn't in your wheelhouse. That said, its use is a fascinating insight into the German language and global cultural awareness.

Much like learning about gravity as a child, little did I know I had been engaged with exonyms for a long while now. 

Never more so than when I asked an unintentionally volatile question on a Facebook group. "Cologne, or Köln?" These three words drew a deep line in the sand, galvanized emotions, and forced me to duck for cover from opinions flying in every direction.

Which led me to this...

Have you ever wondered why Germans call Italy "Italien" while they refer to London as "London"? Welcome to the fascinating world of German exonyms!

TL:DR - The umlaut has a lot to answer for.

What Are Exonyms Anyway?

Before we dive headfirst into the German linguistic pool, let's get our bearings. What exactly is an exonym?

Well, imagine you're at a party, and someone introduces themselves as "Johann." But for some reason, you decide to call them "John" instead. That's essentially what an exonym is – a name used in one language for a place that exists in another language.

In our case, we'll be drawing in on German exonyms—the German names for places that aren't in German-speaking areas.

But this isn't just about German names for foreign places. Other languages have exonyms for German cities too.

Such as the aforementioned Cologne vs Köln.

Plot twist: "Cologne" is a whisker-width more accurate to the original.

Breaking Down Exonyms

You might be thinking, "Why bother with these special names?"or "Why should I care?"

Well, exonyms are more than just linguistic quirks. They're windows into history, culture, and how we perceive the world around us. They reflect centuries of interactions between different peoples and places.

In a way, exonyms are like linguistic souvenirs – little reminders of our global connections.

Diving into Exonyms

I'm going to ride the metaphorical fence between English and German exonyms to start with.

After all, it's what began my journey down this linguistic rabbit hole of why places are called the way they are when they're also clearly something else. 

So, with less ado about nothing, let's get on it.

German Land

Starting with the obvious: Deutschland.

The English use of "Germany" derives from the Latin "Germania," which was used by the Romans to refer to the geographic region east of the Rhine and north of the Danube rivers. "Germania" likely comes from the interpreted name as given by local tribes of the time.

"Deutschland," as Germans use, appropriately has its roots firmly embedded in the Old High German word "diutisc," which meant "of the people." As the language evolved, "diutisc" became "deutsch" which subsequently meant "German."

And there you have it. Deutsch & land, where "land" refers to the geographical region.

Munich: More Than Just Beer and Pretzels

Let's dive into some Bavarian charm, shall we? The English exonym "Munich" is a prime example of linguistic gymnastics.

In German, it's now known as "München," which literally means "by the monks." History has it that Benedictine monks founded the city, and their legacy lives on in its name – and on the city's coat of arms.

Back in the 12th century, it was known as "Monacum"in old medieval Latin. Four-hundred years later, Old High German gradually adopted "Munichen" into the domestic vernacular.  

Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and it's as if the English language took one look at Germany's evolution to "München," said "Nah, that's one too many umlauts," and took the easy road to "Munich."

If you want to take the easy road as well, check out my top picks for the best things to do in Munich.

Cologne: A Rose by Any Other Name

Next up, we have "Cologne," the English way of saying "Köln."

This exonym is like a linguistic fossil, preserving the city's ancient Roman name, "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium." Try saying that five times fast once.

The English didn't just pluck "Cologne" out of thin air. It's simply copied from the French version, "Cologne," which in turn comes from the Latin "Colonia."

It's like a game of international telephone, with each language adding its own twist. And let's be honest, "Cologne" rolls off the English tongue a bit easier than "Köln" – unless you're a fan of tongue twisters, or German.

Interestingly, the name of the famous perfume "Eau de Cologne" (water from Cologne) also comes from this city. It was first produced there in the 18th century, and is still going strong today.

The city of Köln is known for more than its iconic cathedral, there's even a museum dedicated to the aforementioned perfume. Check out my post where I've compiled some excellent ideas for things to do in Cologne.

Nuremberg: The Plot Thickens

Moving on, we have "Nuremberg," the English exonym for "Nürnberg." This one's a bit of a head-scratcher. The "-berg" part makes sense (it means "mountain" in German), but where did that extra syllable come from?

Theories abound like a conspiracist after their morning coffee at 3am.

1. Rocky hill theory: The most widely accepted theory is that the name comes from the Old German elements "nur" or "nuor," meaning "rocky outcrop" or "rock," and "berg," meaning "mountain" or "hill." This would likely refer to the rocky hill on which Nuremberg Castle was built.
2. Emperor Nero legend: There's a local legend that the city was named after the Roman Emperor Nero. However, this is considered highly unlikely by historians, as the city was founded long after Nero's time.
3. Personal name origin: Some suggest the first part of the name could come from a personal name, possibly of a local ruler or founder.
4. Gothic influence: Another theory proposes that the name might have Gothic origins, possibly derived from "Noricum-berg" (mountain of the Norici, an ancient Celtic tribe).

The earliest known written mention of the city dates back to 1050 AD, where it appears as "Nuorenberc" in official documents. Over time, this evolved into the modern German name "Nürnberg," and the English exonym "Nuremberg."

It's important to note that while the rocky hill theory is most accepted, definitive proof of the name's origin remains elusive.

All-in-all, this caused endless confusion for English-speaking tourists trying to find "Nuremberg" on German train schedules!

Trier: Keeping It Simple

Sometimes, English speakers look at a German name and think, "Nah, we're good." That's pretty much what happened with Trier.

The English exonym is... wait for it... "Trier."

Anticlimactic? Maybe. But there's beauty in simplicity. At least that's what I remind my wonderful wife in regards to my neverending charm.

Trier, Germany's oldest city, was once known as "Augusta Treverorum" in Latin. The English language basically said, "Seven syllables? Four syllables? Nope," and stuck with the short and sweet German name.

Aachen: Eau de Confusion

Aachen is a linguistic chameleon. In English, it's often called by its German name, but historically, it was known as "Aix-la-Chapelle," borrowed from French. Talk about a tween-age identity crisis.

The French name comes from the Latin "Aquae granni," referring to the city's hot springs and the Celtic god Grannus.

So next time you're in Aachen, remember you're basically in "Grannus's waters." Do with that what you will.

Leipzig: Leaving Well Enough Alone

A tentative entry on the list, but worth it for the sake of a consonant rejiggery.

Like Trier, Leipzig is another German city whose name English speakers looked at and said, "Yep, that'll do." No fancy exonym here – just good ol' Leipzig.

However, you might come across "Leipsic" in some older English texts and maps. It's like Leipzig's slightly posh, somewhat pretentious cousin who insists on using the fancy wine glasses at family dinners with a $5 budget vino.

Bavaria: Disabling Blinkers on BMW's Since 1928

"Bavaria" is the English exonym for "Bayern," and it's a textbook example of how exonyms can stick around.

The name comes from the Latin "Baiovarii," referring to the Celtic Boii tribe that once inhabited the region.

"Bayern" has been known as such since the 6th century AD, while the English didn't proffer their take on it until 1,000 years later. 

As you probably know, the BMW auto brand is indeed, German. Lesser known is the abbreviation stands for "Bayerische Motoren Werke," which translates to English as "Bavarian Motor Works."

This makes even more sense as the blue and white in their logo represents the colors of the Bavarian flag.

And for another shameless plug, Oma explores how to discover Bavaria and all its mountainous, pretzel-loaded, southern charm. 

Lake Constance: A Lake of Many Names

Here's a fun one – the body of water Germans call "Bodensee" is known as "Lake Constance" in English.

This exonym comes from the city of Konstanz on its shores. It's like naming your dog after your neighbor – a bit odd, but it works.

"Bodensee" likely began its linguistic evolution during the 6th century where the name derived from the town of Bodman on its northwestern shore. 

And speaking of shorelines, Lake Constance is one of the few areas in Europe where no legally binding agreements exist about where the borders lie between the countries and states that surround it (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria).

The Historical Tapestry of German Exonyms

Time for the lexical nitty-gritty.

English exonyms for German locations are like linguistic time capsules. They preserve snippets of history, chunks of different languages, and occasionally, a healthy dose of confusion.

From the monk-inspired "Munich" to the multiple-identity "Aachen/Aix-la-Chapelle," these names tell stories of cultural exchange, historical significance, and sometimes, just plain linguistic convenience.

However, German exonyms didn't just pop up overnight like mushrooms after rain. They've been evolving for centuries, shaped by trade, war, diplomacy, and good old-fashioned human curiosity.

Many German exonyms date back to the Middle Ages when German-speaking traders, scholars, and explorers first encountered these foreign places.

This long history is part of what makes the study of German exonyms so intriguing for linguists and history buffs alike.

Influences on German Exonyms

Like a culinary fusion dish, German exonyms have been influenced by a smorgasbord of factors. Latin played a big role, especially for places with ancient Roman connections.

For example, the German exonym for Rome is "Rom," clearly echoing its Latin name "Roma."

Other influences include historical political boundaries, phonetic adaptations, and even simple mistranslations that stuck around.

This mix of influences reflects the rich tapestry of European history and the interconnectedness of different cultures and languages.

German Exonyms: A Geographical Nomad

Countries

German has a treasure trove of exonyms for its European neighbors and faraway friends. These names often reflect long-standing historical and cultural ties between German-speaking regions and other parts of Europe.

• France → Frankreich → Literally "Realm of the Franks"
• Italy → Italien
• Spain → Spanien
• United Kingdom → Vereinigtes Königreich → Though "Großbritannien" is often used
• Poland → Polen
• Hungary → Ungarn
• Croatia → Kroatien
• Russia → Russland

Cities

Cities often get the exonym treatment too. Some are subtle, while others are undergo makeovers. These city names often have fascinating stories behind them, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange:

• Vienna → Wien → Simple subtlety is under-rated
  
• Venice → Venedig → The ending "-ig" is a common German locative suffix, seen in other city names like "Leipzig"
• Copenhagen → Kopenhagen → very close to the English name, but with German spelling conventions

Nature

Rivers and lakes are no strangers to language adaptation:

• Danube → Donau
• Thames → Themse
• Lake Geneva → Genfersee

Same with mountains:

• Alps → Alpen
• Pyrenees → Pyrenäen

By now I'm sure you've picked up on the obvious that anything with a name will likely spawn an exonym. While it seems like I'm banging on the same proverbial linguistic drum, why does all this matter?

Let's find out why it's important (or is it?) in the first place...

The Decline of German Exonyms

German exonyms often follow interesting linguistic patterns that provide insights into language evolution and cultural perceptions.

Reasons for Decreased Use

Now, after all that, here's a plot twist – German exonyms are becoming less common. But why?

Well, it's a bit like how traditional lederhosen are giving way to jeans. As our world becomes more interconnected, there's a growing preference for using local names.

It's seen as more respectful and accurate. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards cultural sensitivity and global awareness.

Efforts to Preserve Exonyms

But don't write off exonyms just yet!

Some linguists and cultural organizations are fighting to keep these linguistic fossils alive. They argue that exonyms are an important part of German language heritage and shouldn't be tossed aside like last season's fashion.

These efforts highlight the ongoing debate about the role of traditional language forms in our increasingly globalized world.

The Future of German Exonyms

German exonyms are not just linguistic curiosities; they play important roles in various academic and practical fields.

Technological Impact

The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) has been working since 1967 on the standardization of geographical names, including guidelines for the use of exonyms.

That said, in our digital age, GPS and online maps are increasingly using local names. Will this spell the end for exonyms? Or will they find a new life in the virtual world?

The way technology handles place names could have a significant impact on the future use and preservation of exonyms.

Linguistic Evolution

Languages are living things, constantly evolving. Perhaps we'll see new exonyms emerge, reflecting our changing world. "Neu-Delhi" for New Delhi, anyone?

German exonyms provide valuable data for linguists studying language change, borrowing, and the relationship between language and geography.

The future of German exonyms will likely be shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, technological, and linguistic factors.

Challenges and Controversies

The use of German exonyms in modern contexts is not without its challenges and controversies.

Post-War Sensitivities

Exonyms can sometimes stir up a hornet's nest of political controversy.

For instance, the German name "Breslau" for the Polish city of Wrocław can evoke painful memories of World War II and forced population transfers.

These sensitivities highlight the complex relationship between language, history, and national identity.

Cultural Appropriation Debates

Some argue that exonyms are a form of linguistic colonialism – imposing one's own names on other people's places.

It's a bit like renaming your neighbor's kid, but also doing it without asking them first. Questionable behavior whichever way you slice it.

This debate reflects broader discussions about cultural respect and the legacy of historical power imbalances.

Wrapping Up

German exonyms are more than just different names for places. They're linguistic time capsules, preserving centuries of cultural exchange, historical events, and shifting perspectives.

So the next time you hear a German speaker talking about taking a trip to "Venedig" or "Florenz," remember—you're not just hearing a different name, you're experiencing a slice of linguistic history!

They remind us that even in our increasingly globalized world, the unique perspectives offered by different languages continue to enrich our understanding of the places we call home—or away.

Now, after all this, you may be asking yourself why we (myself, Oma, and Lydia) label cities and locations with English exonyms. Quite simply, it's how people find us and our content.

We strive to showcase the best of Germany to those who may not be aware of the linguistic nuances.

If you take a wander over to our shop, you'll see many of our products celebrate city names in their original German. It's in the hope that as we educate, we also foster an appreciation of all things German in Germany.

Either way, no matter how you say it, keep exploring the fascinating world of languages, the lands within them, and until next time, Auf Wiedersehen!

Frequently Asked Questions About German Exonyms

To further explore the fascinating world of German exonyms, let's address some common questions that people often ask about this topic:

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