When it comes to life away from the silver screen, Hollywood star Brad Pitt usually plays second fiddle to his wife Angelina Jolie, who is well known for her humanitarian work for the UNHCR. But Pitt may well soon be adding a new and noble feather to his cap (which we can only assume is of the Bavarian felt variety) with his nomination for 2014's "Keeper of the German Language" title.

The annual award - run through the German language publication "Deutsche Sprachwelt" - is awarded for outstanding services to the German language, and is voted by the public.

The American actor is of German ancestry, speaks the language and is a regular to the country, including during the filming of Quentin Tarantino's 2009 alternative war flick "Inglourious Basterds" shot in Potsdam's historic Babelsberg Studios, and in which Pitt plays a ruthless Nazi hunter.

"I like the language - I even find it beautiful and melodic," Pitt told the "Cologne Express" newspaper.

Despite his Hollywood action training, however, Pitt is up against some formidable opponents for the title - including cabaret artist Monika Gruber for her resistance against the encroachment of political correctness into the German language. Also in the running is the vice president of German parliament, Johannes Singhammer, nominated for his tireless work in promoting the use of the German language within the EU. Volunteer German teachers assisting refugees are also amongst the nominees.

The winner has big boots to fill - previous winners include German rail giant Deutsche Bahn and former Pope Benedict XVI. Voting is open until January 31, 2015.

jt/cd (ots)