compound words

Hi Paul, Is there a rule of thumb for forming compound words? Some seem to be just two words joined together (Sprachwissenshaft) while others have an "s" between the two words being joined up (Hochzeitskleid). Is it purely a matter of ease of pronunciation? Or is there something else going on? Alles gute Shannon

Hi Shannon, There is no specific rule for that case. Combined words joined by an -s- are originally a genitive case. A good lead however are nouns with the suffix -ung, -heit, -keit and -schaft at the ending of the first word. Examples: Entschuldigungsbrief (letter of excuse), Gesundheitstipps (health tips), Geschwindigkeitsrekord (speed record) and wissenschaftsabteilung(science department). Nouns ending in these suffixes are also usally femine gender. Other combined words joined by an -s are words with -zeit at the end like Amtszeit (term of office) and Urlaubszeit. An exception is Sprechzeit. Lieben Gruß Paul

Thank you so much, Paul. That should help me sort things out a bit! If I'm going to get creative with your language, I figure I should try and do it properly!!!! :) Alles gute Shannon

No problem, Shannon. I am glad I could help you. It is good you are so into it. Remember not to focus on one problem to long. Liebe Grüße Paul