CLASS 6 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Word Formation and Word Meaning – Basic Principles
How it works
Word formation is the process by which new words arise from existing words or parts of words (stems, prefixes, suffixes). In the process, the meaning often changes and sometimes the part of speech as well. Typical methods are derivation (e.g. with prefixes such as ‹un-› or suffixes such as ‹-heit›) and compounding (compound words, e.g. ‹Schreibtisch›). The meaning of a word can result from the meanings of its parts, but it can also be figurative or extended. Word families consist of words with a common word stem.
Note
New words arise through derivation (prefix/suffix) or compounding. The meaning results from the parts, but it can also be figurative.
New words arise through derivation (prefix/suffix) or compounding. The meaning results from the parts, but it can also be figurative.
An example
Which word is NOT a member of the word family of ‹fahren›?
‹Fahrer›, ‹Abfahrt› and ‹gefahren› belong to the word family of ‹fahren›, but ‹Fahne› does not. ‹Fahne› has a different word stem and is therefore not related.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: German. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.