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.

German literature, neologisms, Anglicisms

Carstensen, B. (1993). Englische Einflüsse auf die deutsche Sprache nach 1945. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter.

Onysko, A. (2007). Anglicisms in German: Borrowing, Lexical Productivity, and Written Codeswitching. Berlin/New York: Walter de Gruyter.

Furiassi, C., Pulcini, V., & Rodríguez González, F. (2012). The Anglicization of European Lexis. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing.

Yang, W. (1990). Anglizismen im Deutschen: Untersuchung zu ihrem Vorkommen und ihrer Integration. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.

Glahn, R. (2002). Anglizismen im Deutschen: Eine Untersuchung anhand der Wochenzeitung Die Zeit. Tübingen: Narr Verlag.