German speaking countries in the world
German is one of the most popular languages in the world. It is the official language of countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in the European Union. The rich history, culture and traditions of these nations reflects in their connections with the German language. German is considered to be the most spoken mother language in the world. The German language is also known as the ‘language of science’, as it is the second most spoken language by scientists in the world. Today around 130 million people speak German around the world.
Let's look into the prominent German speaking countries in the world.
Germany
Germany is the most prominent German-speaking country in the world, with more than 83 million people considering it their native language. Being the largest population in the European Union, German culture has contributed to the art, philosophy, tradition and science of Europe. The German language has several popular dialects in Germany, showcasing remarkable linguistic diversity. From the Bavarian dialect in the south to Low German in the north, regional variations thrive across the country. The government of Germany promotes the language both in the country and abroad. It is important to learn German if you are planning, study, work or live in Germany.
Austria
Austria is another key German speaking country situated in the heart of Europe. German is the official language of this country of 9 million people. Austrian German is different from standard German with its own pronunciation and vocabulary distinct. Austria is a country which is deeply rooted in the arts, architecture and music, which shows its connection to German speaking tradition. Its capital Vienna is also known as the world’s musical capital of India.
Switzerland
German is one of the four official languages of Switzerland besides French, Italian and Romansh. German is the most widely spoken language with more than 63% speaking it. Swiss German or Schweizerdeutsch is the dialect of the country which is very different from the standard German or Austrian German. Swiss German is used in everyday conversation while standard German is for written communication and formal contexts. Switzerland’s cultural and linguistic diversity and political system allows different linguist regions to coexist in harmony.
Belgium
In Belgium, German is one of the official languages besides French and Dutch. German is spoken by a small population near the eastern region near the German border. They enjoy linguistic and cultural autonomy and play an important role in Country’s complex linguistic landscape. This linguistic diversity of Belgium shows the long history of interactions with the neighboring countries.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small country located between Austria and Switzerland. German is the official language of this small country. The local dialect spoken in Liechtenstein is similar to Swiss German. This country shares a cordial relationship between its neighbors and has many cultural and historical ties with them. This small country of less than 40,000 population dominates its German speaking culture. Liechtenstein has a status as a financial center with a high standard of living and strong economy.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a small and linguistically diverse country in Europe recognizes German as one of its three official languages alongside French and Luxembourgish. German is mainly used in the media, education and official documents, making it an essential part of the country’s identity. Different traditions and culture coexist in Luxembourg because of its strategic location in the heart of Europe. Luxembourg is also an important financial center and key player in European politics.
More countries where German is spoken!
Namibia
Namibia has a historical link to the German language due to it being a former colony of Germany. During 1884-1915, Namibia was known as German South-West Africa. Even though colonial rule ended over a century ago, the impact German language left there is still there. German is the official language to the 1% of the Namibia popular, particularly the descendants of the German settlers. English is the official language of Namibia but German holds a prominent part in the linguistic and cultural heritage of the country.
United States of America
There are millions of Americans who are descendants of German immigrants. This makes German one of the most commonly spoken heritage languages in the United States. German culture has left a lasting impact in the country that it influenced the food, festivals and traditional celebrations in the various parts of the country like Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Texas. Although German may not be as prominent in the United States as it is in Europe, it remains a significant part of America’s cultural heritage.
Why is the German Language Important?
German is not just a prominent language in Europe, it is recognized by many countries around the world. Due to Germany’s influence in business, science, culture and diplomacy in the world, German language holds an importance in the global market. Understanding German is important to live and build a career in such countries. German is also the key language in the field of philosophy, scientific research, literature and countless innovations from German speaking regions. Germany’s political and economical influence over the world helped in the spread of German language worldwide.
Conclusion
The German language has spread beyond Europe and is significant in this modern world. Learning the German language will give you opportunities to thrive in a new world. It will help you to study, build a career and even settle down in the country. Choosing a good training academy which provides the best coaching is essential when learning a new language. Choose Tiju’s Academy- the best german language institute in kerala and transforms your dreams into reality!
