Fraktuur

Fraktuur is a style of Blackletter script that originated in Germany. It is characterized by its highly condensed and angular letterforms, with sharp, broken strokes. The name "Fraktuur" itself is derived from the Latin word "fractus," meaning "broken," which accurately describes the visual appearance of the script. Fraktuur was widely used in printed materials, particularly in German-speaking countries, from the 16th century until the mid-20th century. It was a common typeface for books, newspapers, and official documents. While it fell out of favor after World War II, partly due to its association with Nazism, it remains a recognizable and historically significant typeface. Modern usage is primarily decorative or for specific cultural or historical contexts. The distinctiveness of Fraktuur lies in its legibility challenges for those unaccustomed to it, due to its density and the way strokes are broken. Despite its decline in everyday use, it continues to hold a place in typographic history.