Oldenburg Officially Adopts Shortened Name and Simplified Spelling
Oldenburg, a city located in the German state of Lower Saxony, has officially adopted a new spelling for its name. The city will now be known as "Oldenburg (Oldb)," a change that will take effect in March 2023.
Historical Context
For decades, Oldenburg has used the spelling "Oldenburg (Oldb)," despite the fact that the Lower Saxony Municipal Constitution Law specified the name in full as "Oldenburg (Oldenburg)." This discrepancy was recently discovered by the Municipal Supervisory Authority, which prompted Oldenburg to either change its spelling or face a costly and time-consuming administrative process.
Pragmatic Compromise
Rather than alter its long-established spelling, Oldenburg sought to amend the Municipal Constitution Law. The Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior has now approved this request.
"I am delighted that we have found a practical and streamlined solution that avoids a complex administrative process," said Jürgen Krogmann, Mayor of Oldenburg.
Historical Usage of "Oldb"
According to the city, the use of "Oldb" dates back approximately 50 years. It is believed to have originated from a transcription error during the regional reforms of the 1970s. However, even prior to this, the city had employed the abbreviation "Oldb."
Evidence of this can be found in an original letterhead from 1939, financial council minutes from 1941, and a document from the Military Government in 1945. Since 1946, the spelling "Oldenburg (Oldb)" has been included in the city’s main charter.
Distinction from Oldenburg in Schleswig-Holstein
The use of the abbreviation "Oldb" serves to distinguish the Lower Saxony city of Oldenburg from another city of the same name located in the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
Simplified Spelling
The adoption of the shortened name and simplified spelling is part of a broader effort by the city to streamline its administrative processes and reduce costs. The change will eliminate the need for multiple versions of official documents, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens.
Public Reaction
The decision to adopt the new name and spelling has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some residents have expressed concerns about the potential loss of the city’s historical identity. Others have welcomed the change as a pragmatic solution to a longstanding issue.
Implementation Timeline
The official change to "Oldenburg (Oldb)" will take effect in March 2023. The city will begin updating its signage, letterheads, and other official materials to reflect the new spelling.
Conclusion
The adoption of the simplified name and spelling for Oldenburg represents a significant administrative change for the city. It is a testament to the city’s commitment to streamlining its processes and reducing costs while preserving its historical heritage.
