Fugenfüllung

Fugenfüllung, also known as "fugitive filling" or "filler words," refers to the use of certain words or phrases in speech that do not contribute to the meaning of the sentence but serve to fill pauses or gaps in conversation. These words are often used to maintain the flow of speech and to indicate that the speaker is still thinking or preparing what to say next. Common examples of fugenfüllung include "äh," "ähm," "also," "ja," "äh," and "ähm." The use of fugenfüllung is a common feature of spoken language and is not typically considered a mistake, although it may be seen as less formal or polished in certain contexts. In written language, fugenfüllung is generally avoided, as it can disrupt the clarity and coherence of the text. The term "Fugenfüllung" is specific to the German language, where it is a well-known linguistic phenomenon.