Duits
/dœy̯ts/neuter
In Dutch, the phrase for the German language is Duits.
Duits is used to refer to the German language or the nationality. It is a neuter noun.
Meaning: the German language (name)
Which one should you use?
While Duits refers to the language or the nationality, Duitsland refers specifically to the country Germany.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a noun, Duits is an invariable adjective and does not take an -e ending. The plural form of Duitser is Duitsers.
How do you pronounce it?
/dœy̯ts/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Duits to mean the country, but Duits refers to the language or the people, whereas Duitsland is the country.
Did you know?
- While Duits is the standard term today, the older word Diets was once used to describe the Dutch language itself to distinguish it from Latin.
- Dutch and German are so closely related that they are considered part of a dialect continuum. In some border regions, speakers use a mix of Duits and Dutch that is mutually intelligible.
- The root of Duits actually means 'of the people', which implies the language was originally the tongue spoken by the common folk.
Examples in context
- Ben je ook Duits?Are you also German?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's nationality using Duits.Tatoeba #7432080 by MarijnKp, translation #3303986 by Hybrid
- Uw Duits is goed.Your German is good.This sentence is useful for praising someone's proficiency in Duits.Tatoeba #7432086 by MarijnKp, translation #6014411 by zumley
- Ik leer nu Duits.I'm learning German now.This sentence is useful for describing the act of learning Duits.Tatoeba #7452065 by MarijnKp, translation #1486961 by CN
- Ik heb een Duits woordenboek nodig om te helpen met mijn taalstudie.I need a German dictionary to assist with my language studies.
- Onze nieuwe buurman is een aardige Duitser.Our new neighbor is a nice German guy.
- Gisteren heb ik een groep Duitsers ontmoet tijdens mijn reis naar Hamburg.Yesterday, I met a group of Germans during my trip to Hamburg.
- 256 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Noah are talking about their school classes.
- EmmaHoud je van Duits?Do you like German?
- NoahNee, Duits is erg moeilijk.No, German is very difficult.
- EmmaIk vind Duits juist leuk.I actually think German is fun.
- NoahDan kun jij me helpen, Emma.Then you can help me, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “german” translations and entries Duits, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Duits, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
