Both German and English boast a treasure trove of untranslatable words – they are the linguistic fingerprints that capture emotions and experiences that resonate deep within a particular culture. They tease our imaginations and broaden our horizons. At discover legal, we love discussing these words…

You can sometimes observe us taking a lunchtime stroll through Planten und Blomen discussing such terms, for instance, the German sensation, “Fernweh”, which encaptures a profound yearning for faraway places, a magnetic pull that beckons the soul to venture beyond the familiar. Unlike its English counterpart, wanderlust (for the linguists amongst us – great English word I know), “Fernweh” conveys a sense of homesickness for locations yet to be discovered, a one-of-a-kind cocktail of anticipation and desire that resonates with every globe-trotting dreamer.

So, the next time you experience a bout of Fernweh that pulls you toward uncharted territories, remember that language is not just a tool for communication but a kaleidoscope of cultural expression. Embrace the untranslatable!

Keep tuned for the next ones!

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