Deutsch
/dɔʏ̯t͡ʃ/
The English phrase "german language" is translated into German as Deutsch.
Deutsch is the name of the language spoken by people in Germany and other German-speaking regions. It is most commonly used as a noun to refer to the language itself (e.g., 'Ich lerne Deutsch').
Which one should you use?
While Deutsch can mean both the language and the adjective 'German', it is most commonly used as a noun to refer to the language itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective meaning "German" (e.g., 'the German language'), the word 'Deutsch' is declined and is typically written in lowercase unless it is part of a proper noun phrase. The phrase die deutsche Sprache is the standard way to refer to "the German language" as a formal noun phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔʏ̯tʃ/
Did you know?
- While Deutsch is the name of the language, the word 'German' in English comes from the Latin 'Germania'. Therefore, the English name for the language and the native name for the language have entirely different origins.
- The word Deutsch is related to the Persian word tude, which means 'people' or 'nation'. This reveals a prehistoric connection between these distant languages.
Examples in context
- Es existieren in der deutschen Sprache viele lange Wörter.In the German language there are many long words.This sentence illustrates the existence of many long words in the Deutsch language.Tatoeba #1844824 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1842609 by soweli_Elepanto
- „Bücher in deutscher Sprache gibt es hier nicht.“ – „Aber wir sind doch mitten in Berlin!“"There aren't any German-language books here." "But we're in the middle of Berlin!"This sentence uses a form of Deutsch to describe books written in the German language.Tatoeba #6324206 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6324853 by sundown
- Ich glaube nicht, dass es irgendwas auf der Welt gibt, das du in Berlin nicht lernen kannst, außer Deutsch.I don't believe there is anything in the whole earth that you can't learn in Berlin except the German language.This sentence refers to learning Deutsch while in Berlin.Tatoeba #615201 by samueldora, translation #552736 by deniko
- Ich lerne Deutsch.I am learning German.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a language course.
- FelixLernst du jetzt Deutsch?Are you learning German now?
- HannahJa, Deutsch ist nicht so schwer.Yes, German is not that difficult.
- FelixDas ist toll für dich, Hannah.That is great for you, Hannah.
- HannahDanke, Felix!Thanks, Felix!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Deutsch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutsch, deutsch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
