Wie kam die Zschopau zu ihrem Namen? Ist der Flussname Zschopau slawischer oder germanischer Herkunft?

Résumé

Why did the river Zschopau get this name? Is it of Slavonic or Germanic origin? – The article tries to give an explanation of origin and development of the river name Zschopau in Saxony (Germany). On the base of documents all historical forms since about thousand years are discussed. The main issue is to prove whether the hydronym is of Slavonic origin. Further the name’s origin is explained as a Germanic nomination. The original meaning is compared with the geographical situation along the river.