Germany’s Official List of Offensive Language

Every year, a panel of German experts selects the Un-word of the Year to shame terms that distort truth or degrade human rights. It is an act of linguistic activism designed to expose manipulative political speech.

This unique initiative invites the public to submit words they believe are harmful, misleading, or euphemistic. A small panel of linguists and journalists then debates these suggestions to choose the most damaging term. By publicly labeling a word as dangerous, the group hopes to sharpen public awareness of how language can be weaponized. It turns the study of grammar into a powerful tool for protecting democracy.