Rechtschreibreformen

Rechtschreibreformen are changes to German orthography that seek to simplify and standardize spelling, punctuation, and capitalization across German-speaking countries. They aim to reduce irregularities, align orthography more closely with pronunciation, and improve consistency in education, publishing, and digital communication.

The most influential phase began in the 1990s with a reform of German orthography adopted by the Rat für deutsche Rechtschreibung (Council for German Orthography). In 1996, a new set of rules was issued for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the intention of creating a common standard. The reforms affected various areas, including hyphenation, capitalization, and the use of the letters ss and ß, as well as the treatment of foreign words and loan terms. The implementation occurred at different speeds in the member countries, leading to a period during which texts could reflect both old and new spellings.

Subsequent amendments, notably around 2004–2006, refined several provisions and resolved practical issues arising from the initial reform. The exact scope and timing varied by country: Germany introduced changes through school curricula and publishing guidelines; Austria and Switzerland pursued their own adjustment schedules, with Switzerland incorporating later modifications and allowing continued use of older spellings for some time in education and media.

Today, Rechtschreibreformen form part of the standard contemporary German orthography. They are widely taught in schools and used in official documents, media, and publishing, though explicit adherence and the pace of adoption vary by country, institution, and individual preference. The reforms remain a topic of discussion in linguistic and educational circles, reflecting broader debates about spelling, language change, and national identity.