Dösbaddel wins: Low German student word of the year in MV!

Dösbaddel wins: Low German student word of the year in MV!

On November 6, 2025, the first Low German student word of the year was chosen in the inviting setting of Boltenhagen, nestled in the district of Northwest Mecklenburg. At this important event, which took place as part of the first Low German State Conference, the charming word “Dösbaddel” was chosen. This word was chosen from suggestions from students from 37 schools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania who deal with the Low German language in class.

“Dösbaddel” humorously describes a clumsy or dreamy person, and is derived from the verb “dœsen,” which means “to be lost in thought.” This selection is not only a sign of the appreciation of the Low German language, but also an expression of the creativity of the young people. In addition to “Dösbaddel”, other suggestions such as “Moin”, “Wat” and “Kopp hoch – Wat mutt, dat mut” were also represented in the final vote. A competent jury had the task of selecting the best words from the submitted words, which were then put to the vote, as stern.de reports.

A sign of cultural solidarity

The celebration of Low German is particularly relevant in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Low German is actively taught in several schools. This musical and expressive language not only contributes to the region's cultural identity, but also connects younger generations with historical roots. The award of the student word could help to further promote interest in the language and encourage the youngest people to engage with their linguistic heritage, as zeit.de highlights.

The commitment in the schools is reflected not only in the number of participants, but also in the enthusiasm of the students, who submitted many creative and funny suggestions. Such initiatives are important to raise awareness of regional languages ​​and dialects - after all, every dialect is a valuable part of cultural diversity.

The meaning of language

In times of globalization and the dominance of standard languages, the maintenance of regional dialects such as Low German is an important concern. It not only promotes identity, but also a sense of community within the region. With their selection, the jury wanted to honor a word that both reflects the character of the Low German language and offers students a platform to express their perspective and creativity.

The fact that “Dösbaddel” emerged as the winner of the competition is more than just a simple choice – it is a sign that the students are proud of their language and are willing to keep it alive. A core idea that should not be missing from any discussion about the future of Low German culture.

In the long term, the “Low German Student Word of the Year” award could be a key to getting further generations interested in the Low German language and thus initiating a fundamental cultural renewal. It will be exciting to see how this development will continue in the coming years - and perhaps the next word that captures the hearts of students will be even more surprising and inspiring!