New Spelling Rules: "f" Instead of "ph"

This was announced in a release on Tuesday. They are already in effect in Austria with a two-year transition period.

In the new spelling, Anglicism spelling is standardized for the first time. This involves whether words are written in uppercase or lowercase, separately, together, or with a hyphen. It is also stipulated that English verbs generally receive German inflectional endings, such as "Sie surft im Internet" ("She surfs the Internet").

Changes in Spelling with "f" or "ph"

Additionally, there are changes in spelling with "f" or "ph". In technical languages, "ph" is retained, while in everyday language, words must be written with "f" (for example, Delfin in a children's book, but Delphin in a biological paper). Exception: If a word with "ph" is so entrenched in usage that there is no other variant - for example, Philosoph, explained Christiane Pabst, editor-in-chief of the Austrian Dictionary (ÖWB) and member of the Spelling Council, upon APA request.

In the course of comma placement, a comma is now always set in extended infinitive groups, e.g., "Es ist möglich, morgen zu kommen" ("It is possible to come tomorrow"). The genitive apostrophe is still not provided for, but there is now an exception: In proper names of establishments and institutions, a genitive apostrophe after first names is now allowed, e.g., "Rudi's Würstelstand".

"The Spelling Council does not arbitrarily determine how something is written. Instead, it observes very closely how language is used in German-speaking regions. It thus makes a rule of what has already become established in everyday use," emphasized Pabst. Since June 2025, the Austrian Dictionary is available in a new edition. All new regulations are explained in the appendix of the print edition.

(APA/Red)

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