Gewässernamenforschung - Rückblick und Ausblick

Abstract

The project 'Archiv für die Gewässernamen Deutschlands und Europas' established on the 'Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur in Mainz' since 1960, has ended definitivly in 2005. On this occasion the author discusses first, what the research on hydronyms in the middle of Europe has achieved in the last forty years, and secondly, what is to do in the future. Finally he recommends the foundation of a Centre for Onomastics in Germany as a partner of the other Centres of Onomastics in Europe, resident in the Academies or the Universities.