Does spelling still matter in the age of auto-correct and AI?

The debate over spelling skills in the digital age has reignited after Winfried Kretschmann, the outgoing minister-president of Baden-Württemberg, suggested that drilling spelling rules may be losing relevance. His comments reflect a growing belief that smart devices and auto-correct tools are reducing the need for meticulous orthographic training. Yet, a new survey and expert opinions reveal that young people—and many educators—still see correct spelling as vital for learning, communication, and future success. A recent study by the KB&B Family Facts institute found that 85% of children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 consider correct spelling important or very important. For younger students, accurate writing aids in understanding texts and achieving academic success. Older teens, however, link good spelling to being taken seriously and improving career prospects.

Experts back these views. Prof. Henning Lobin, scientific director of the Leibniz Institute for the German Language, argues that spelling proficiency remains a cornerstone of linguistic education. Germany's Deutschlandfunk radio also highlights its role in better reading comprehension and text analysis. Prof. em. Dr. Friedrich Schönweiss adds that mastering spelling unlocks broader learning opportunities, helping children excel in any field. Despite these arguments, digitisation has shifted perceptions. Auto-correct programs and AI-driven text generation have led some to question whether traditional spelling instruction still matters. School data from the past decade shows a slight decline in spelling's priority compared to maths and foreign languages. National assessments, such as the IQB studies from 2015 to 2021, even reveal persistent spelling weaknesses among students. Yet, the survey suggests resilience in attitudes: 80% of respondents believe spelling will keep its importance, with 55% of 16-year-olds certain it will *definitely* remain relevant.

The tension between technological convenience and educational fundamentals persists. While tools like spell-check reduce everyday errors, research and young people's views confirm that spelling still underpins learning, credibility, and professional advancement. Schools and policymakers now face the challenge of balancing digital adaptation with the enduring need for strong orthographic skills.