Come talk about fun and quirky words in the English Language. Posting is open to all members.
Nachlass
Nachlass is a German word, used in academia to describe the collection of manuscripts, notes, correspondence, and so on left behind when a scholar dies.




I've heard it for things that people leave behind, in general. I didn't hear it specifically about scholars.
Ah, ok. That explains my (minimal) experience. Maybe this is a word that takes on extra significance outside its own language.
That's funny. I'm actually packing for a move as I type this and have been going through my own nachlass. ...not dead though.
A very good word! I think this term exists outside academia as well; I've heard it used by my family in dealing with estate stuff. Although I'm not sure how common it is (they may be outliers).
ETA: this is a good question for @robinlilian, our resident Gemeinschaftsdeutschexpert_in. ☺
I'd never heard it before today. It seems like it would be just as useful to refer to estates.
I think your definition is exactly right for using it in an English context. I also think the sense of it--of that left behind--is evocative.