Portugiesisch
/ˌpɔʁtuˈɡiːzɪʃ/neuter
The German word for the English phrase 'portuguese' (the language) is Portugiesisch.
The term Portugiesisch is used to name the Portuguese language.
Meaning: the language (name)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized noun Portugiesisch refers specifically to the language. In contrast, the lowercase adjective portugiesisch is used to describe things relating to Portugal. To refer to people, use Portugiese for a Portuguese man or Portugiesin for a Portuguese woman.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning the language, Portugiesisch is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpɔʁtuˈɡiːzɪʃ/
Did you know?
- The adjective portugiesisch uses a lowercase letter, which is a common trap for English speakers who are used to capitalizing all nationalities in English.
- The term Portugiesisch is formed by adding the suffix -isch to the root associated with the people of Portugal.
- In German, if you want to say 'the Portuguese' as a group of people, you must use the masculine plural noun die Portugiesen instead of the adjective.
Examples in context
- Gib mir das Portugiesisch-Buch.Give me the Portuguese book.This sentence is useful for identifying a book specifically about or in the form of Portugiesisch.Tatoeba #1905248 by Zaghawa, translation #12929207 by araneo
- Ich spreche kein Portugiesisch.I don't speak Portuguese.This sentence is useful for stating your ability (or lack thereof) to speak Portugiesisch.Tatoeba #4883984 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3493721 by Ricardo14
- Ich verstehe kein Portugiesisch.I don't understand Portuguese.This sentence is useful for stating your ability (or lack thereof) to understand Portugiesisch.Tatoeba #2171547 by Vortarulo, translation #5165119 by tabular
- Ich habe gestern einen netten Portugiesen getroffen.Yesterday, I met a nice Portuguese person.
- Der Portugiese spricht fließend Deutsch und Englisch.The Portuguese person speaks fluent German and English.
- Ein Portugiese wurde als Ehrengast zur Veranstaltung eingeladen.A Portuguese person was invited as a guest of honor to the event.
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are talking about their language classes.
- JuliaLernst du eigentlich Portugiesisch?Are you actually learning Portuguese?
- LukasJa, Portugiesisch ist eine schöne Sprache.Yes, Portuguese is a beautiful language.
- JuliaIst Portugiesisch schwer zu lernen?Is Portuguese difficult to learn?
- LukasNein, ich finde Portugiesisch ziemlich einfach.No, I find Portuguese quite easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “portuguese” translations and entries Portugiesisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Portugiesisch, portugiesisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
