Arabic Words in Disguise: How You Know More French, Spanish, and German Than You Think

Thinking of learning a new language, but your brain says “too hard”? Plot twist: Arabic already snuck into French, Spanish, and German centuries ago. Through trade, science, poetry, and even colonization, your ancestors left their linguistic fingerprints everywhere. So you’re not starting from scratch.

French

الكيمياء → Chimie
“Chimie” is derived from the word “Al-Kimiyaa” which is believed to be linked to the ancient Egyptian word “Kemet”. Arab scholars created and preserved the science of chemistry, and Europe took notes.

قميص → Chemise
From Arabic qamees, a classic long shirt worn across the Arab world. The French kept the flow, and took the fashion up a notch.

أمير → Émir
Direct from Ameer, meaning prince or commander. The French didn’t even bother changing it, iconic behavior.

مسكين → Mesquin
Started as “poor soul” in Arabic, ended up meaning “stingy” in French. Talk about a lost-in-translation moment.

Spanish

الأرز → Arroz
Arabs introduced rice cultivation to Spain, and the name aruzz came with it. The rice stayed and the name stuck.

المخدة → Almohada
From makhadda, introduced during Muslim rule in Al-Andalus, modern-day Spain. Arabic sleep comfort and vocabulary were both imported.

البحيرة → Albufera
From al-buhayra, meaning lake. Still used in names like the Albufera near Valencia — even the geography speaks Arabic.

سمسم → Sésamo
“Semsem” traveled through trade routes into Iberian kitchens. Tiny seed, same ancient name.

German

بنزين → Benzin
“Banzīn” entered via French and Latin, but its root is Arabic. So yes, you’ve been fueling your car with Arabic etymology.

ببغاء → Papagei
Likely from babgha’, passed through Romance languages into German. Even parrots carried words across borders.

سكر → Zucker

Zucker came through Arabic traders via Sicily and Moorish Spain, and then to Germany. Europe got the sweet stuff and the word, too.

Moral of the Story: You’re Not Starting from Zero

Arabic words are chilling in French sciences, Spanish maps, and German fuel stations. You’re not learning new languages, you’re picking up where Arabic left off. So yeah. Add multilingual to your resume. You’ve already earned it.
WE ALSO SAID: Don’t Miss…From Mesquin To Jupe: Here Are 7 French Words That Originate From Arabic