Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| lingua germanica | feminine |
| lingua theodisca | feminine |
These terms are used to refer to the German language. The word Germania can be used to refer to the country of Germany as a whole rather than a person. In some texts, the term Teutones may occasionally be used to refer to Germans in general and Alamannus is used specifically to refer to the Alemanni tribe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lingua germanica literally means "the German language", composed of lingua (tongue or language) and germanica (pertaining to the Germans).
Which one should you use?
While lingua germanica is the standard classical-style term, lingua theodisca is a historical form used in Medieval Latin to refer specifically to the vernacular Germanic languages.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lingua is a feminine noun, the adjective for German must take the feminine ending germanica to agree with it. Related forms for a member of a Germanic tribe include Germanicus or Germanica, while the adjectives for being of or relating to the country of Germany are germanicus or theodiscus.
Did you know?
- The term lingua theodisca is the root of the modern German word Deutsch, which identifies both the language and the people.
- In Roman times, the term Germanicus was used as a prestigious title by generals, most notably by the commander who conquered the forests of Germany.
- The Latin word for 'language', lingua, is thought by some to have been influenced by the verb 'lingō', which means 'to lick'.
Examples in context
- Lingua Germanica mihi discenda est.I must learn German.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of learning lingua germanica.Tatoeba #9884876 by alexmarcelo, translation #9871387 by Adelpa
- Praelectiones de lingua Germanica capio.I take German classes.This sentence is useful for stating that you are taking classes in lingua germanica.Tatoeba #10819735 by carlosalberto, translation #10819699 by carlosalberto
- Lingua Germanica multa vocabula longa habet.In the German language there are many long words.This sentence is useful for noting a characteristic of the lingua germanica.Tatoeba #1842613 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #1842609 by soweli_Elepanto
- Germanus est.He is a German.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are discussing their studies in the library.
- AureliaMarce, estne lingua Germanica tibi difficilis?Marcus, is the German language difficult for you?
- MarcusIta, sed lingua germanica mihi valde placet.Yes, but I like the German language very much.
- AureliaEgo quoque hanc linguam discere volo.I want to learn this language too.
- MarcusTunc simul studere possumus!Then we can study together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “german” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lingua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
