I asked ChatGPT the following:
Can you list ten native German words that have been adopted without change by the English language and in common use by native speakers of the English language?
The response was:
Sure, here are ten German words that are commonly used in English:
Kindergarten - A preschool or daycare center for young children.
Rucksack - A backpack or knapsack.
Angst - A feeling of anxiety or dread.
Schadenfreude - Pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
Blitz - A sudden and intense military attack, or a sudden burst of something.
Wanderlust - A strong desire to travel or wander.
Zeitgeist - The spirit or mood of a particular time period.
Doppelganger - A person who looks remarkably like another person.
Autobahn - A high-speed highway or expressway.
Uber - Meaning "over" or "above," but in English commonly used as a prefix to denote something superior or exceptional, such as "Uber driver" or "Uber app".
I then asked the following:
Can you list another ten German words, different from the list you just provided.
The response was;
Sure, here are ten more German words that have been adopted by English:
Gesundheit - An expression used to wish someone good health after they sneeze.
Kaput - Broken or not functioning properly.
Schlep - To carry or haul something heavy or awkward.
Bildungsroman - A novel that focuses on the moral and psychological development of the protagonist.
Delicatessen - A store that sells high-quality, often imported foods.
Fahrvergnügen - The pleasure of driving.
Gestalt - An organized whole or structure.
Kitsch - Art or objects that are considered to be in poor taste because of their excessive sentimentality or lack of originality.
Poltergeist - A ghost or other supernatural being that makes noise and causes objects to move.
Zeitnot - The feeling of being pressed for time or having limited time to complete a task.
I've not heard of Bildungsroman, Fahrvergnugen not Zeitnot but the original list of ten are common enough. I then asked about Yiddish words:
Can you list ten native Yiddish words that have been adopted without change by the English language and in common use by native speakers of the English language?
Certainly! Here are ten Yiddish words commonly used in English:
Chutzpah - Nerve, audacity, or impudence.
Schmooze - To chat or make small talk in a friendly and persuasive manner.
Schlep - To carry or haul something heavy or awkward.
Kvetch - To complain or grumble persistently and annoyingly.
Nosh - To snack or eat a small amount of food.
Mensch - A person of integrity, honor, or kindness.
Shpiel - A long and elaborate speech or sales pitch.
Tchotchke - A small decorative object, trinket, or souvenir.
Oy vey - An expression of dismay, exasperation, or frustration.
Bagel - A type of bread roll that is shaped like a ring, boiled, and then baked.
I've not heard of Kvetch, Tchotchke or Oy vey but then again I don't live in the United States where such words would be heard more commonly. I then asked about French words:
Can you list ten native French words that have been adopted without change by the English language and in common use by native speakers of the English language?
Certainly! Here are ten French words commonly used in English:
Cuisine - Refers to the style of cooking, or a specific type of food, or a kitchen.
Déjà vu - The feeling that one has already experienced the present situation.
Fiancé - A person engaged to be married.
Ballet - A highly stylized form of dance, often performed to classical music.
Café - A small restaurant or coffeehouse, or a type of coffee.
Lingerie - Women's underwear or nightclothes.
Rendezvous - A meeting or appointment, or a designated meeting place.
Ménage à trois - A romantic or sexual relationship between three people.
Parfait - A dessert made of layers of ice cream, syrup, and other ingredients.
Hors d'oeuvre - A small appetizer or snack served before a meal.
All of these words I'm familiar with. I then asked about Spanish.
Can you list ten native Spanish words that have been adopted without change by the English language and in common use by native speakers of the English language?
Of course! Here are ten Spanish words commonly used in English:
Fiesta - A celebration or party.
Patio - An outdoor space, often used for dining or relaxing.
Burrito - A type of Mexican food consisting of a tortilla filled with beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Siesta - A short nap or rest taken after lunch, especially in hot countries.
Guitar - A musical instrument with six strings played by strumming or plucking.
Salsa - A type of spicy sauce or dip, or a style of dance originating in Latin America.
Adios - A Spanish word used to say goodbye.
Plaza - A public square or marketplace.
Macho - A term used to describe a man who is assertive, strong, and dominant.
Taco - A type of Mexican food consisting of a tortilla filled with meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and other ingredients.
