Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsch | /dɔʏ̯t͡ʃ/ | neuter |
| deutsche Sprache | /ˈdɔɪ̯t͡ʃə ˈʃpʁaːxə/ (word by word) | feminine |
| Deitscha | Alemannic German | |
| Tüütsch | Alemannic German, neuter | |
| Düütsch | Alemannic German, neuter | |
| Deitsch | neuter |
The primary way to name the language is Deutsch. If you want to be more descriptive or explicit, you can use deutsche Sprache. Additionally, Hochdeutsch refers specifically to the standardized version of the language known as High German.
Which one should you use?
While Deutsch is the standard name for the language, deutsche Sprache is a more formal or descriptive way to refer to it. In Alemannic-German dialects, you may encounter the variations Deitscha, Tüütsch or Düütsch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Deitsch is a variation predominantly used in the southern regions of Germany and Austria. The forms Deitscha, Tüütsch and Düütsch are used in Alemannic-German.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the related adjective deutsch (e.g., 'German bread'), the word is written with a lowercase 'd' unless it is at the beginning of a sentence or part of a proper name. The noun Deutsch is a neuter noun. The phrase deutsche Sprache is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔʏ̯tʃ/
When do people say it?
In certain contexts, the colloquial term Piefke is used in Austria, sometimes in a slightly derogatory way, to refer to the German language or people from Germany. When expressing that you do not speak the language, it is common and idiomatic to omit the verb 'sprechen' (to speak) and simply say Ich kann kein Deutsch.
Did you know?
- The English word 'Dutch' actually shares the same ancient roots as the German word Deutsch. In many older contexts, the terms were used interchangeably to describe Germanic-speaking peoples.
Examples in context
- Denkst du auf Deutsch?Do you think in German?This example shows how to ask if someone is thinking in Deutsch.Tatoeba #1496878 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1494504 by CN
- Ich kann kein Deutsch.I cannot speak German.This example demonstrates the idiomatic way to say you cannot speak Deutsch.Tatoeba #1630807 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #38954 by Swift
- Ich zähle auf Deutsch.I am counting in German.This example shows how to express that you are counting in Deutsch.Tatoeba #1786684 by Esperantostern, translation #1785756 by Amastan
- Ich spreche Deutsch.I speak German
- Können Sie Deutsch sprechen?Can you speak German?
- Deutsch ist eine schöne Sprache.German is a beautiful language.
- Hast du Deutsch gelernt?Have you learned German?
- Lass uns auf Deutsch reden.Let's talk in German.
- Sie beherrschen die deutsche Sprache sehr gut.You speak German very well.
- Das ist ein wichtiges Dokument auf Deutsch.This is an important document in German.
- 1066 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a teacher are discussing a language course.
- HannahLernen Sie in diesem Kurs Deutsch?Are you learning German in this course?
- MaximilianJa, ich möchte mein Deutsch verbessern.Yes, I want to improve my German.
- HannahIst Deutsch eine schwere Sprache?Is German a difficult language?
- MaximilianEs ist am Anfang etwas schwer.It is a bit difficult at the beginning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “german” translations and entries Deutsch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Deutsche, Sprache) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutsch, Sprache, deutsch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
