If You Have a Problem with the German Economy…

…the cause may be etymological.

Germans have the same word for “economy” and “tavern” – Wirtschaft. (Remember the Wirtschaftswunder – the economic miracle?)

Let us refrain from making any cheap jokes about this linguistic curiosity. This is the explanation:

First comes the Wirt, originally meaning “husband, master of the household, host.” Then comes Wirtschaft, “hospitality, providing food and drink” (10th century). The extensions to “restaurant,” to “household, housekeeping” and to “budgeting” were made in the late Middle Ages.

The meaning “economy” became customary in the 19th century.

Source: anonymous expert in linguistics

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3 responses to “If You Have a Problem with the German Economy…

  1. Elisabeth Ecker

    Wirtschaft also means mess as in: Clean up the “Wirtschaft” in your room. I guess the Germans have a more flexible approach to life.

  2. Michael Gundy

    In the Three Penny Opera, Bertolt Brecht introduce the transfiguration of the common place. Great things are played out in miniature throughout our common lives. A delightful linguistic metaphor.

  3. Peter Rehak

    Well, after the third or fourth stein of beer, only a few care about the economy. :))