Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache (GfdS)

Founded in 1947, Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache (GfdS) is a non-profit association based in Wiesbaden, Germany working on education, science & research, arts & culture.

The Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache (GfdS) is a politically independent association based in Wiesbaden that cares for and researches the German language. It was founded in 1947 and is funded by the Federal Government and the German federal states. Its work includes language consultation and answering questions about German, text checking and correction, expert opinions, name consultation and the selection of the Word of the Year and the most popular first names. It also runs a Redaktionsstab (editorial team) at the German Bundestag in Berlin, which since 1966 has advised parliament and its members on language, reviews draft laws and regulations for clarity, and runs seminars on spelling, grammar and legal and administrative language. The GfdS publishes the journal Der Sprachdienst, maintains a specialist linguistics library and databases, and organises public lectures, seminars and events through branches in Germany and abroad. The separate Förderkreis der Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache e.V., founded in 1957, supports the GfdS financially, with a focus on promoting reading and language skills in children and young people. It is recognised as charitable and donations and membership fees are tax-deductible.