Word of the Year 2025 is 'Special Assets' - Germany’s ‘Non-Word of the Year’ exposes how language distorts political debates
The German term Sondervermögen (special fund) has been named the country’s 2025 Non-Word of the Year. A jury of linguists and journalists criticized the phrase for misleading the public and distorting political debates. The decision highlights growing concerns over how language shapes perceptions of public debt and migration policies.
The expression Sondervermögen dominated discussions about government borrowing in 2025. In budgetary terms, it refers to off-budget accounts created for specific purposes, often linked to additional debt. Critics argue the term obscures the true scale of borrowing, making it harder for citizens to assess fiscal decisions.
In second place on the list was Zustromungsbegrenzungsgesetz (inflow limitation law). The jury condemned its framing of migration as a threat rather than a humanitarian issue. They also noted that water-related metaphors for migration—such as 'floods' or 'waves'—have been used since the 1950s, dehumanizing refugees and ignoring their individual struggles. Jan-Peter Wulf, writing for dasfilter.com, reinforced these concerns in a year-in-review analysis. He pointed out that Sondervermögen was removed from some laws after negotiations with the Green Party. Despite this, the term’s lingering use continues to spark controversy over transparency in public finance.
The selection of Sondervermögen as Non-Word of the Year reflects broader unease about political language. The jury’s decision underscores how certain terms can distort public understanding of debt and migration. Both phrases will likely remain under scrutiny as debates on these issues continue.
