Jugendwort des Jahres

Germany's Youth Language Barometer

The Jugendwort des Jahres (Youth Word of the Year) competition, organized by Langenscheidt since 2008, captures the evolving slang and preoccupations of German youth through public submissions and voting.

2025 Trends

The 2025 candidates heavily reflected English and internet slang influence:

• Rizz - Short for charisma, referring to romantic charm
• Delulu - From "delusional," describing unrealistic hopes
• Auf Lock - Germanized phrase meaning to do something casually
• GYAT - Acronym expressing physical admiration
• No Cap - Meaning "no lie" or "for real"

Cultural Significance

This annual contest demonstrates how language serves as a key arena for youth identity, embracing a dynamic, globalized lexicon that reflects social media influence.