Syntactic trends in modern German

The essay deals with topical syntactic tendencies and developments that can currently be observed on the level of German syntax. There are three focal points: a) the formation of inflective constructions, b) the omission of the definite and the indefinite article, and c) the use of ethno-linguistic means of expression. After the data has been analysed linguistically, the question of how these can be judged from the point of view of language criticism is raised and discussed. It is argued that the phenomena described are no indication of a deterioration in linguistic skills - provided that the speakers are fully aware of the aptness of their forms of expression from the point of view of communication. The essay concludes by demonstrating the consequences for the teaching of German as well as for academic research into German.