Germany picks ‘crisis mode’ as word of the year amid global wars, energy and education crises

‘Antisemitism came in second place, referring to a resurgence on both the far-right and the left-wing extremes since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel

These words topped a ranking of 10 words that have dominated public debate in recent months, reflecting a reality that is ‘currently pretty bleak’

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Palestinians check the rubble following Israeli bombardment on Khan Yunis. A jury of German experts has chosen “Krisenmodus” (crisis mode) as the 2023 word of the year, against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:15pm, 8 Dec 2023

A jury of German experts has chosen “Krisenmodus” (crisis mode) as the 2023 word of the year, against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and the Middle East, global upheavals and the country’s falling educational standards.

“Antisemitism” came in second place, the Society for the German Language (GfdS) announced on Friday, referring to a resurgence on both the far-right and the left-wing extremes of the political spectrum since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

The third-placed word translates as “unable to read”, referring not just to illiteracy but also increasing difficulties faced by people in comprehending complex texts.

These topped a ranking of 10 words that have dominated public debate in recent months, GfdS head Andrea Ewels said. “The list reflects reality – and reality is currently pretty bleak.”

Society has been in “crisis mode” since 2020, Ewels said, citing the coronavirus pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany’s energy and education crises, and the Hamas attack on Israel in October.