S1E6: ß (Eszett)

The symbol "ß" is one of the few things that are truly unique about German. But what is it exactly? How do you pronounce it? And how did it come to exist?

In this episode I talk to returning guest Frauke Rüdebusch (Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache) about where this letter came from, when and where it is used, and about the problems that arise because of its existence.

Read the transcript here.

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About this episode's guest

Frauke Rüdebusch. Photo © GfdS

Frauke Rüdebusch is a research associate at the Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache (GfdS). She conducts research into many facets of the German language, including in the context of corona. One of her main areas of work also concerns first names (see links below).

Email: frauke.ruedebusch@gfds.de

Links and information

 

This episode was first released on 02.03.2021.

YOTE theme music by Vincent Tone (PremiumBeat.com)

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