German word of the day: Spuk
You might have heard this word around Halloween, or when heading inside one of Germany's creepy castles.
What does it mean?
Der Spuk literally translates as the ‘haunting’ or an ‘apparition’.
The term is used to denote the presence of something supernatural and haunting, rather than a ghost-like caricature. If you are looking for a ghost costume or ghost decorations, you are more likely to see the word ‘Gheist’.
You may also hear ‘Spuk’ more colloquially referring to events that are so terrible, they seem unreal, or even to signify ‘hustle and bustle’.
Why do I need to know it?
This word is an integral feature in literature, film and even conversations, particularly during Halloween in Germany.
For instance, many eerie novels and TV programs incorporate ‘Spuk’ in their titles, such as Spuk in Hill House (the Haunting of Hill House) by Shirley Jackson, and the Netflix series Spuk in Bly Manor (the Haunting of Bly Manor)
‘Spuk’ has its roots embedded in folklore, a prominent literary trend across Europe during the 19th century.
READ ALSO: Five haunted castles in Germany that will creep you out
How did it originate?
‘Der Spuk’ originates from the Middle High German term ‘Spuoc’, meaning ‘fright’ or ‘terror’.
Over the centuries, this term evolved into ‘Spuok’ in Old High German and eventually became ‘Spuk’ as it is known today.
Initially prevalent in literature, its significance heightened as the celebration of Halloween surged in Germany.
The western tradition found its way into the German mainstream in the late 1990s and early 2000s, gaining popularity particularly with younger generations, especially in urban areas.
READ ALSO: The best place to celebrate Halloween in every German state
Examples of how it's used
Die Legende erzählt von einem alten Haus, in dem der Spuk einer verstorbenen Dame immer noch umgeht.
The legend tells of an old house where the ghost of a deceased lady still roams.
Hast du von dem Spuk in der alten Mühle gehört?
Have you heard about the haunting in the old mill?
Der faschistische Spuk ist endlich vorbei.
The fascist spook is finally over.
Don't miss any of our German words and expressions of the day by downloading our new app (available on Apple and Android) and then selecting the German Word of the Day in your Notification options via the User button.
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What does it mean?
Der Spuk literally translates as the ‘haunting’ or an ‘apparition’.
The term is used to denote the presence of something supernatural and haunting, rather than a ghost-like caricature. If you are looking for a ghost costume or ghost decorations, you are more likely to see the word ‘Gheist’.
You may also hear ‘Spuk’ more colloquially referring to events that are so terrible, they seem unreal, or even to signify ‘hustle and bustle’.
Why do I need to know it?
This word is an integral feature in literature, film and even conversations, particularly during Halloween in Germany.
For instance, many eerie novels and TV programs incorporate ‘Spuk’ in their titles, such as Spuk in Hill House (the Haunting of Hill House) by Shirley Jackson, and the Netflix series Spuk in Bly Manor (the Haunting of Bly Manor)
‘Spuk’ has its roots embedded in folklore, a prominent literary trend across Europe during the 19th century.
READ ALSO: Five haunted castles in Germany that will creep you out
How did it originate?
‘Der Spuk’ originates from the Middle High German term ‘Spuoc’, meaning ‘fright’ or ‘terror’.
Over the centuries, this term evolved into ‘Spuok’ in Old High German and eventually became ‘Spuk’ as it is known today.
Initially prevalent in literature, its significance heightened as the celebration of Halloween surged in Germany.
The western tradition found its way into the German mainstream in the late 1990s and early 2000s, gaining popularity particularly with younger generations, especially in urban areas.
READ ALSO: The best place to celebrate Halloween in every German state
Examples of how it's used
Die Legende erzählt von einem alten Haus, in dem der Spuk einer verstorbenen Dame immer noch umgeht.
The legend tells of an old house where the ghost of a deceased lady still roams.
Hast du von dem Spuk in der alten Mühle gehört?
Have you heard about the haunting in the old mill?
Der faschistische Spuk ist endlich vorbei.
The fascist spook is finally over.
Don't miss any of our German words and expressions of the day by downloading our new app (available on Apple and Android) and then selecting the German Word of the Day in your Notification options via the User button.
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