[The use of Latin in German scientific language].

Abstract

Science is of international nature. The development of technical languages in the individual branches of science is connected with frequent borrowing of foreign-language lexical material which is mostly of Latin or Greek origin. Latin has had an effect on vocabulary, word formation and syntax. The existence of a foreign scientific language above a national one is the main cause of the frequent penetration of foreign and borrowed words into German. Greek and Latin represent the traditional language material to be used in medical terminology. In scientific communication, Latin and Greek terms and also equivalents in a native language are used.