Yes, “zeitgeist” is an English word.

It might sound very German. That’s because it is.

But you’ll also find zeitgeist in English dictionaries.

It means “the spirit of the time” or “the spirit of an age“.

In other words, the ideas, values and attitudes that shape a particular period.

For example:

“The rise of remote work reflects the zeitgeist of the 2020s.”

Or:

“Sustainability has become part of today’s zeitgeist.”

Sometimes English borrows a word because it captures an idea so well that no single English word does the job.

Zeitgeist is one of those words.

Quick win: The next time you come across a familiar-looking English word, don’t assume it’s “just German“.

It might already be part of English.

💬 Can you think of another German word that English has adopted?