Sprache
/ˈʃpʁaːxə/feminine
The English word 'language' is translated into German as 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 specific linguistic system, such as German or the general faculty of human speech. It can also be translated as 'speech' or 'tongue'. When referring to language influenced by a particular regional accent, the term Akzent is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Bavaria or Austria, people may refer to their native languages or dialects as Mundart.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Sprache is die Sprachen. When using the noun in the genitive case, it changes to der Sprache, meaning 'of the language'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpʁaːxə/
Did you know?
- The term Mundart literally translates to 'mouth-style' or 'mouth-manner' and is used specifically for regional dialects.
- The word Sprache is used in the idiom jemandem die Sprache verschlagen, which describes the feeling of being stunned into silence.
- German distinguishes between Muttersprache for one's native tongue and Fremdsprache for a foreign language.
Examples in context
- Sprache ist ein CodeLanguage is a code.This sentence uses Sprache to illustrate a definition.Tatoeba #3997677 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3806507 by eric_vandenburg
- Ich kenne Ihre Sprache.I know your language.This sentence uses Sprache to indicate familiarity with someone's way of speaking.Tatoeba #660236 by Esperantostern, translation #656787 by janmato
- Welche Sprache war das?What language was that?This sentence uses Sprache to ask for identification of a spoken tongue.Tatoeba #4159640 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3738657 by CK
- Deutsch ist eine wichtige Sprache.German is an important language.
- Welche Sprache sprichst du am liebsten?Which language do you prefer speaking the most?
- Ich liebe die Sprechweise des bayerischen Dialekts.I love the way people speak in the Bavarian dialect.
- Mit meiner Großmutter spreche ich oft ihre Mundart.I often speak my grandmother's dialect.
- 1117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about their hobbies.
- SarahLernst du gerade eine neue Sprache?Are you learning a new language right now?
- LukasJa, ich lerne Spanisch.Yes, I am learning Spanish.
- SarahDie Sprache klingt sehr schön.The language sounds very beautiful.
- LukasDanke, Sarah!Thanks, Sarah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries Sprache, Einzelsprache, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
