Glossary for German spelling, grammar and style
The reference points for writing correct German
This glossary collects the terms you meet most often when you write or check a German text: spelling rules, grammar cases, punctuation, inclusive forms, stylistic devices and academic text types. It is a compact overview in English; each section leads to a fuller page.
Where the rules come from
The binding basis of German spelling is the official rulebook of the Council for German Orthography (Rat für deutsche Rechtschreibung). The Duden reflects this norm and adds editorial recommendations, notes on usage and help with doubtful cases. Where the two seem to differ, it helps to separate the norm from the recommendation. We proofread according to the Duden. German spelling was reformed in 1996, and some doubtful cases remain even for experienced writers.
Key terms
das or dass
If you can replace the word with dieses, jenes or welches, it is spelled das (one s). Otherwise it is the conjunction dass. This pair is one of the most searched doubtful cases.
Getrennt- und Zusammenschreibung
Whether two words are written apart or together. Stress often helps: if the first part carries the stress, the combination is usually one word. For many combinations both variants are allowed; then consistency counts.
Groß- und Kleinschreibung
German capitalises all nouns and nominalised words, the first word of a sentence, names and the formal address pronoun in letters. Capitalisation is a frequent source of errors for learners.
Komma (comma)
German commas follow grammatical rules rather than breathing pauses: they separate main and subordinate clauses and set off many inserted phrases and extended infinitive groups. Comma errors rarely cost points, but they make long academic sentences harder to read.
s, ss and ß
After a long vowel or diphthong the sound is usually written ß, after a short vowel ss. In Switzerland, ß is not used.
Kasus (case)
German has four cases: nominative, accusative, dative and genitive. Articles and adjective endings change with them. The formal genitive is typical of academic style.
Konjunktiv (subjunctive)
A verb mood used for indirect speech and unreal conditions. In academic writing it marks reported statements, for example when you summarise what an author claims.
Normseite (standard page)
The unit used to price proofreading: 1,800 characters including spaces. Use the page calculator to convert your text.
Gendern (inclusive language)
Forms that include all genders, such as the double form Studentinnen und Studenten, the star Student*innen, the colon Student:innen or neutral words like Studierende. See the inclusive language guide.
Stilmittel (stylistic device)
A figure of speech such as metaphor, anaphora or irony. See literary devices.
Textsorte (text type)
A recognised form of text with its own structure and style, for example essay, term paper or practical report. See academic text types.
Eigenständigkeitserklärung
The signed declaration that you wrote a paper yourself and used only the sources you cite. Many universities now add a statement on AI tools.
Go further
Spelling & grammar
Rules for spelling, punctuation, style and grammar
Word meanings
Words and their meanings
Abbreviations
What common German abbreviations stand for
Synonyms
Alternatives to repeated words
Grammar check
Quick look at a text
Inclusive language
Gender forms of German
Literary devices
Rhetorical devices with examples
Study guides
Set texts, periods and poetry
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