Eszett
Moderators: Peter Thomsen, miker
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.
Thank you.
Finale 27.3
macOS Monterey
TG Tools Pro
JW Plug-ins
Robert Patterson Plug-ins
Perfect Layout
macOS Monterey
TG Tools Pro
JW Plug-ins
Robert Patterson Plug-ins
Perfect Layout
-
- Posts: 224
- Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2003 9:37 am
- Finale Version: Finale 2009, 27
- Operating System: Windows
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
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
Finale 2009 and 27/German on Windows 10
-
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2017 2:08 pm
- Finale Version: 2014, 2014.5, 25
- Operating System: Mac
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...
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...
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 Nevertheless, I would like to point out that the word "Zeitmaß" is somehow outdated and would probably not be used by a modern composer.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.
Finale 3.0-25.5, German edition, Windows 7
trombonist, pianist, conductor / Recklinghausen, Germany
trombonist, pianist, conductor / Recklinghausen, Germany
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)
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 sometimesHaraldS wrote: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.
Finale 27.3
macOS Monterey
TG Tools Pro
JW Plug-ins
Robert Patterson Plug-ins
Perfect Layout
macOS Monterey
TG Tools Pro
JW Plug-ins
Robert Patterson Plug-ins
Perfect Layout