Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒɜːrmən/

Definitions

• Relating to Germany or its people, language, or culture.
• A member of the Germanic people who are native to or descendants of people in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg.
• The official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Belgium and Luxembourg, classified as a West Germanic language.

Usage Examples

• "She studied German literature at the university and became fluent in the language."
• "The German countryside is known for its picturesque beauty and quaint villages."
• "The German economy is one of the largest and most powerful in the world."

Etymology

The word "German" comes from the Latin "Germanus," which means "of the same parents" or "related." It was used by the Romans to describe the tribes living east of the Rhine River, who were later known as the Germans. The language name "German" derives from the same root and refers to the group of languages spoken by these tribes.

Synonyms

• Teutonic
• Deutsch

Antonyms

• Non-German
• Foreign

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "German" can vary slightly depending on the accent and dialect of the speaker. In some dialects of German, the "g" may be pronounced harder or softer, and some regions may pronounce the second syllable more strongly than others.

Historical Usage

The term "German" was first used by the Romans to describe the tribes that lived to the east of the Rhine River. The Germanic people later formed several powerful kingdoms and states, such as the Holy Roman Empire. The language evolved over time, with Old High German developing into Middle High German and then into the modern form of the German language we know today. Germany itself as a unified nation-state was established in 1871.

Cultural Nuances

The word "German" not only refers to the people of Germany but also has strong associations with German culture, including contributions to art, philosophy, music, and science. In many parts of the world, German is seen as a language of high culture and intellectual tradition, with figures like Goethe, Beethoven, and Einstein often evoked in discussions of German heritage. The word can also carry historical connotations tied to both the positive cultural legacy and the tumultuous events of the 20th century, particularly the two World Wars.

More Information

German is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is the most widely spoken language in the European Union and the third most spoken native language in the world. Known for its rich literary tradition, German is an official language of the European Union, the United Nations, and many other international organizations. German-speaking countries are known for their cultural contributions in music, philosophy, literature, and the sciences. The language has various dialects, and the modern standardized form is based on High German, which was influenced by Martin Luther's translation of the Bible in the 16th century.