Germany chooses Nazi-linked term as the country's non-word of 2016

Chosen word has seen recent resurgence among far-right groups

(File photo) (Getty Images )

Germany has chosen a term that means “traitor” as its “unwort” (non-word) of the year for 2016.

The word “Volksverräter”, which has strong Nazi connotations, was chosen by a jury of language experts.

In literal terms the word translates to “traitor of the people” and was apparently selected “because it is a typical legacy of dictatorships".

The word has seen a recent resurgence among far-right groups, who have frequently used it to describe politicians.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been heckled with the word, most notably during a visit to a refugee centre in August.

“[This] strangles serious discussion and, in doing so, the discussions necessary for a democratic society,” jury spokesperson Nina Janich told the Local.

Since 1991, the most offensive or popularised phrase has been chosen to “promote awareness and sensitivity of language”.

Previous winners include “Döner-Morde”, which translates as 'kebab murders' and was used to describe the murders of one Greek victim and eight Turkish victims by neo-Nazi terrorists between 2000 and 2007, and "Lügenpresse” which translates as “lying media”.