Three key phrases to note for the junior word final examination.

The Frankfurt Book Fair, set to take place on October 18, will witness the announcement of the "Youth Word of the Year 2025." This annual event, first introduced in 2008, has become a significant cultural milestone, reflecting the evolving language and trends among young people aged 11 to 20.

Over the years, the "Youth Word of the Year" has captured the essence of youth culture, from the first winner, "Gammelfleischparty" (an old meat party, symbolising doing nothing), to the more recent "cringe" (second-hand embarrassment and awkward moments), and "aura" (a person's charisma).

This year, the finalists include "Gooning," a slang term for hours-long self-pleasure and excessive porn addiction. The Langenscheidt jury, responsible for the selection process, has issued a warning about "Gooning," stating that prolonged self-pleasure can encourage dopamine addiction and lead to an unhealthy relationship with one's own sexuality.

Another top contender is "Are you checking?" - a phrase used to ensure the listener understands what is being said. "That's crazy" is another all-purpose phrase used when speechless or not in the mood for a real answer.

The selection process involves a multi-stage approach. Initially, a jury narrows down submissions to a top 10. Since 2020, the final choice is made by public online vote rather than solely by a jury. The votes for the "Youth Word of the Year" were in the high six-figure range last year.

In the past, winners have included terms like "Swag" (representing coolness), "Babo" (meaning boss), and "Smombie" (a combination of "smartphone" and "zombie," describing street behavior absorbed in phones). Some terms disappear after a short time, while others remain due to their popularity and usability.

The "Youth Word of the Year" has sparked numerous discussions in families, reflecting the influence of youth language on societal discourse. Patricia Kunth, responsible for the "Youth Word of the Year" at Langenscheidt, oversees this process. The Langenscheidt Publishing House, now part of the Klett Group, manages this selection.

As the final online voting for the "Youth Word of the Year 2025" enters its final round, anticipation builds for the announcement at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Stay tuned to find out which word will capture the zeitgeist of the youth in 2025.