General Information about the German Language

About the Language

German is a fascinating language that is not only spoken in Germany but also plays a significant role worldwide. With around 130 million people speaking German as their first or second language, it ranks among the ten most spoken languages in the world.

Where is German spoken?

German is the official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. Additionally, it is a regional official language in Italy (South Tyrol) and Belgium. Outside Europe, there are German-speaking communities in North and South America, Namibia, Australia, and other parts of the world.

German in Europe and beyond

In Europe, German is the most widely spoken native language. Over 100 million people in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland use it as their first language. In Belgium and Luxembourg, German is one of the official languages.

Due to migration and economic connections, the German language has spread to many parts of the world. German is not only the language of poets and thinkers such as Goethe, Schiller, and Kafka but also a significant language in science, philosophy, and technology. As the most spoken native language in the European Union, it enjoys high international regard. Many people learn German to take advantage of career opportunities in German-speaking countries or to better understand the impressive German culture and history.