Eszett

[David_]

Hi, is it correct to use the eszett (ß) in modern German? I'm curious as to the correct spelling of Zeitmass (which appears sometimes as Zeitmass, Zeitimaß and Zeitmaass). Also, Mässig (Mäßig). What is correct?

Thank you.

[Peter S.]

Hi David,
yes it is correct, the ß is still in use in Germany and Austria, I think they do not use it anymore in Switzerland. The correct spelling is Zeitmaß, Mäßig

Peter

[David_]

Thanks, Peter!

[mknoll]

To expand on Peter's answer somewhat. Following the German Rechtschreibreform from 1996, the use of ß in German became somewhat more restricted, to be used only following long, stressed vowels and dipthongs. Thus, the two examples from the OP, "Zeitmaß" and "Mäßig" retain the ß because the preceding vowels are long and stressed (this is especially reflected in the old spelling "Zeitmaaß"). However, many words that previously used the ß are now considered to be correctly spelled with "ss" such as "dass" or "Fass".

So while it is correct to say that the ß is still used in German, its use has changed somewhat in the last 20 years. Of course, many German speakers have never accepted the 1996 reforms and continue to use the old rules. As far as I know, no one has yet been arrested...

[miker]

Ah, but if they had been, you might never know...

[HaraldS]

mknoll already mentioned the rules for the ß. Thus, "Zeitmaß" is perfectly correct. Nevertheless, I would like to point out that the word "Zeitmaß" is somehow outdated and would probably not be used by a modern composer. Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauß are known for these expressions. If the word would be used in a modern score, it would be a reference to the late Romantic Era. So if you are re-engraving a historic score, better stick to the historic spelling, whatever it may be. If you're a modern composer writing a new piece, "Tempo" would be a better choice.

[motet]

Does that go for tempo marks in general? Italian instead of German now?

[mknoll]

"Richard Strauß"

Nice!

[David_]

Thanks for the additional information. (I do remember an old set of Zarathustra parts with 'Richard Strauß' on them - my first encounter with a scharfes S)

So if you are re-engraving a historic score, better stick to the historic spelling, whatever it may be. If you're a modern composer writing a new piece, "Tempo" would be a better choice.

Yes, I am re-engraving some older parts but was curious what a modern German speaker would regard as correct. Also, the eszett takes up less room, which is handy sometimes