The typographic representation of the german sharp S (ß)
As a graphic and type designer, throughout my university career, I’ve repeatedly observed that the sharp S (ß) in the German language and typography represents a fascinating yet often overlooked dimension. I’m particularly intrigued by the historical origins of this phonetic ligature and how it has evolved both in lowercase (minuscule) and uppercase (majuscule) forms over the years. My aim is not only to comprehend the past and present of the ß but also to understand its potential implications for the future of typography in the German-speaking world.
The historical development of the ß is a captivating chapter as it finds its roots in ancient manuscripts and printed works. The changes in its typographic representation over the years, the spelling reform of 1996, and the contentious debates about its abolition are all part of this fascinating heritage.
Another aspect I’m delving into pertains to the technical challenges posed by the digital era. Integrating the uppercase sharp S (ß) into digital fonts, typesetting systems, and commonly used software presents us with unique issues that I intend to explore. This includes investigating the technical standards for the correct uppercase usage of the ß. This leads me to considerations of legibility and the challenges of the uppercase ß in an international context, especially when it comes to names and units, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Lastly, I aim to present design approaches that type designers can employ for the successful integration of the uppercase sharp S into their projects. This includes case studies of typographers who have already successfully utilized the uppercase ß.
Useful Links:
https://www.typolexikon.de/eszett-scharfes-s/
https://www.lucasfonts.com/learn/1E9E
https://finaltype.de/de/themen/versal-scharf-s#historische-betrachtung
https://www.typografie.info/3/wiki.html/v/grosses-eszett/
https://typefacts.com/blog/das-grosse-eszett
