Germanophilia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A strong fondness or admiration for aspects related to Germany, including its language, culture, and historical contributions to society
2. An intense enthusiasm for all elements of German life, reflecting a passion for its traditions, language, and artistic achievements
3. A deep-seated affection for the cultural, linguistic, and historical elements associated with Germany is often what defines this admiration

Etymology: "Germanophilia" is a straightforward modern compound: "germano-", the combining form of "German" (from Latin "Germanus"), joined to "-philia", from Greek "philia", meaning fondness or love. Its parts are transparent, so the word reads exactly as its meaning suggests: an affection for Germany, its people, language or culture. The pattern is a productive one. English builds many "-philia" words in the same way, with "Anglophilia" and "Francophilia" as the closest relatives, and "germano-" appears in other formations such as "Germanophobia" for the opposite attitude. The source record gives no first-use date or inventor, so the word's exact introduction into English cannot be credited to a particular writer.