Der neue Rechtschreibduden 2024 und die Öffentlichkeit: Wie denken wir sie mit, wie sieht sie das Werk und uns?

Abstract

This article discusses the latest, the 2024 edition of the most important German dictionary, the Rechtschreibduden, and its role in society nowadays. It starts with a debate about the relevance of spelling in the digital age with its contradictory trends: while everyday tolerance for errors increases due to technology, schools are strengthening spelling education. The new official spelling rules for 7 countries, updated in 2024, represent the most extensive changes since 2006 and required careful coordination across these German-speaking countries.

In addition to rule changes, the Duden reflects contemporary language by adding around 3,000 new words, shaped by recent crises, wars, and lifestyle trends. Another key issue is gender-inclusive language, where the Duden presents developments but avoids giving definitive guidance due to official regulations, leaving some public questions unresolved.

Finally, the text emphasizes the challenges of meeting diverse public expectations, balancing correctness, clarity, vocabulary updates, and social debates, while adapting to digitalization and maintaining the Duden’s relevance in a changing linguistic landscape.