welt

Welt is a term with several distinct meanings in German and English usage. In German, Welt means “world” and is used in everyday speech as well as in many compound forms and proper names. It appears in terms such as die Welt (the world) and in compounds like Weltmeister (world champion) or Weltkultur (world culture). The word also figures prominently in the branding of German media, most notably Die Welt, a major daily newspaper, and its online edition, welt.de.

In English contexts, welt denotes a raised, often itchy bump on the skin caused by a sting, bite, or allergic reaction. In leatherwork and footwear, a welt is a strip of material sewn to the upper edge of the shoe that forms the joint with the sole, a key element in traditional welted footwear and some upholstery constructions.

Welt also exists as a surname in German-speaking regions. As a proper noun, it can appear in various personal names and historical references, though specific individuals are typically distinguished by given names.

Notable uses include the German newspaper Die Welt, founded in 1946 and published by Axel Springer SE, with the online presence at welt.de. The term’s versatility—linguistic meaning, media branding, medical and craft terminology—reflects its broad relevance across languages and domains.