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Word of the Week: Zettelwirtschaft

Hanna Grimm / kbm November 23, 2016

Can you even see your desk under all those papers? This quirky German word will bring order to your chaos - or not.

https://p.dw.com/p/1Ast5
Desk covered with papers, Photo: fhmedien_de
Image: fhmedien_de - Fotolia.com

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Power bills, a notice from your health insurance company, bank statements, and a letter from your landlord are all strewn across your desk. "What kind of 'Zettelwirtschaft' is that?" your German friend would ask.

A "Zettel" is a sheet of paper, while "Wirtschaft" has many meanings in German. Here it comes from the verb "wirtschaften" and refers to taking care of chores at home. Or in the case of Zettelwirtschaft, not taking care of them.

Some people find chaos at home rather cozy, or even conducive to creativity. Others feel the immediate urge to grab the broom and sweep everything into the trash (or at least under the bed). So having a Zettelwirtschaft at home isn't necessarily a bad thing - as long as your spouse can deal with it.