Sprache
/ˈʃpʁaːxə/feminine
The German word for language is Sprache. Wiktionary also lists Språch and Sproch.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sprache | /ˈʃpʁaːxə/ | feminine |
| Språch | ||
| Sproch | ||
| Sprooch | ||
| Einzelsprache | feminine |
Sprache refers to a body of words used for communication. It can be used to describe a specific linguistic system or the general faculty of human speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sprache is a feminine noun and is used with the feminine definite article die. The plural form is Sprachen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpʁaːxə/
Did you know?
- The phrase eine Sprache beherrschen is used to say one has mastered a language. The verb beherrschen also means 'to rule' or 'to dominate'.
- German distinguishes between Muttersprache for a native tongue and Fremdsprache for a foreign language. The latter literally translates to 'strange language'.
- The English word 'speech' and the German Sprache are siblings, both descending from the same Proto-West Germanic root.
Examples in context
- Sprache ist ein CodeLanguage is a code.This sentence uses Sprache to describe language as a code.Tatoeba #3997677 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3806507 by eric_vandenburg
- Ich kenne Ihre Sprache.I know your language.This sentence uses Sprache to refer to someone's language.Tatoeba #660236 by Esperantostern, translation #656787 by janmato
- Welche Sprache war das?What language was that?This sentence uses Sprache to ask about a specific language.Tatoeba #4159640 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3738657 by CK
- Welche Sprache sprechen Sie am besten?Which language do you speak the best?
- Hast du einen großen Sprachschatz?Do you have a wide vocabulary?
- 1117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing their learning goals.
- HannahWelche Sprache lernst du gerade, Julian?Which language are you learning right now, Julian?
- JulianIch lerne Spanisch, weil die Sprache schön ist.I am learning Spanish because the language is beautiful.
- HannahDas stimmt, ich liebe diese Sprache auch.That's true, I love that language too.
- JulianVielleicht können wir zusammen üben.Maybe we can practice together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries Sprache, Einzelsprache, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Einzelsprache, Sprache, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
