Sprachen
/ˈʃpʁaːχn̩/
The German phrase for "languages" is Sprachen.
Sprachen refers to systems of communication used by people of a particular country or community. Note that when referring to the English language specifically, the suffix -isch is often added to language names in German.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural noun Sprachen is used with the definite article die in the nominative and accusative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpʁaːχn̩/
Did you know?
- When talking about 'body language', Germans use the term Körpersprache. This treats the movements of the body as a formal Sprache with its own grammar and vocabulary.
- The word Sprache comes from the same root as sprechen, which means 'to speak'. This makes the German word for 'language' literally a 'speaking'.
- The German word for 'foreign language' is Fremdsprache. Because fremd can mean both 'foreign' and 'strange', the word can subtly imply that the language is alien or unfamiliar.
Examples in context
- Er kann zehn Sprachen.He can speak 10 languages.This sentence shows how to state the number of languages someone can speak using Sprachen.Tatoeba #1360229 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1173695 by CK
- Ich mag alle Sprachen.I like all languages.This sentence expresses a general liking for all Sprachen.Tatoeba #4451184 by Plusquamperfekt, translation #4451185 by Plusquamperfekt
- Ich kann drei Sprachen.I speak three languages.This sentence is useful for stating that you speak three Sprachen.Tatoeba #7554250 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2406546 by CK
- die spanische SpracheThe Spanish language
- Viel Glück!Good luck!
- 599 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their studies at a university.
- JulianWelche Sprachen lernst du?Which languages are you learning?
- SarahIch lerne Spanisch und Französisch.I am learning Spanish and French.
- JulianDas sind sehr schöne Sprachen.Those are very beautiful languages.
- SarahJa, das stimmt, Julian.Yes, that's true, Julian.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Sprachen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
