Wahrig

Wahrig is a German surname that also refers to a well-known monolingual German dictionary brand. The Wahrig Deutsches Wörterbuch is a reference work in which standard German vocabulary is described and explained. It is named after the lexicographer who created the original edition and has appeared in multiple revised editions over the years.

The dictionary aims to present contemporary, standard German in a clear and accessible format. Entries typically include the headword, a concise definition in German, a pronunciation guide, part-of-speech information, usage notes, and often etymological information when available. Illustrative examples accompany many definitions to show typical usage in context. The work emphasizes everyday and formal language alike, and its updates reflect language change, new terminology, and shifts in orthography.

Wahrig’s dictionary has been published in both print and digital formats, making it available to students, educators, libraries, and German-language learners. It is commonly used in schools as a reference tool alongside other major dictionaries and is positioned as a practical, learner-friendly resource in contrast to some broader prescriptive dictionaries.

Beyond lexicography, Wahrig remains a German surname with various individuals bearing the name. In encyclopedic contexts, the name Wahrig is most often associated with the German dictionary tradition and its role in documenting the language for reference and study. See also: Duden, Lexicography in Germany.