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90th birthday celebration: Prof. Nerius honors German orthography!
On April 9, 2025, the University of Rostock will celebrate the 90th birthday of Prof. Dr. Dieter Nerius with a ceremony.
90th birthday celebration: Prof. Nerius honors German orthography!
On April 9, 2025, the University of Rostock will hold a ceremony for one of the greatest experts in German linguistics, Prof. Dr. Dieter Nerius, organize. The occasion is his 90th birthday, which he celebrated five days earlier, on April 5th. The event begins at 11 a.m. in Lecture Hall 218 of the University Main Building and anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Prof. Nerius is a luminary in German linguistics. His most significant contributions lie in the research of German orthography and spelling standardization. Particularly worth mentioning is his involvement in the spelling reform between 1996 and 2006, which is fundamental to today's understanding of German orthography. The university not only honors Nerius' life's work, but also his central role in the development and reform of the German language.
Life's work and contributions to linguistics
Prof. Nerius was professor of German linguistics at the University of Rostock from 1975 until his retirement. He was the founding dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and had a lasting influence on the Institute for German Studies. Through his intensive research, particularly in orthography, and his leadership of the orthography research group at the Berlin Academy of Sciences from 1974 to 1990, he made a significant contribution to the further development of linguistics. He has also held visiting professorships in Warsaw, Kiel, Hamburg and Vienna.
His academic work also includes the book “German Orthography,” which is considered a comprehensive linguistic presentation of German orthography. The 4th edition of the book, published in December 2007, deals with the development of the orthographic reform as well as the role of the orthographic dictionary and is aimed at a broad target group of people who need explanations about spelling. It offers a detailed overview of the basics and structures of German orthography and illuminates its historical development. In addition to the content, the book also promotes understanding of written language skills.
Celebrations and honors
As part of the celebrations, greetings will be given by Rector Professor Elizabeth Prommer and Dr. Sabine Krome from the German Spelling Council is expected. Professor Andreas Bieberstedt will give a lecture on the topic "Orthography without a standard? Or: How do you write the regional language Low German?" hold. The event will receive musical accompaniment from the Trio Festivo, which will further enrich the celebrations.
In addition, the public honorary event highlights the relevance of orthography in the educational mission and in the written expression of the German language. Prof. Nerius' commitment runs like a common thread throughout his entire career and shows the connection between science, didactics and practice in the field of linguistics. His contribution to German orthography is not only essential from a scientific perspective, but also crucial for participation in discursive practice and written communication in society.
Prof. Nerius' influence extends across many areas. His in-depth knowledge and experience have a lasting impact on the image of German linguistics. He remains a central figure in the debate about the developments of German orthography, and his decades of work will continue to be honored in the years to come.