How to Say "Russian" in German

Russisch

/ˈʁʊsɪʃ/

In German, the English phrase 'Russian (language)' is translated as Russisch.

Russisch is the standard and most common term used to refer to the Russian language.

Meaning: Russian (language) (noun)

Which one should you use?

Use the capitalized Russisch when referring to the language itself, but use the lowercase russisch when using it as an adjective.

When referring to the language as a noun, the word is capitalized.

/ˈʁʊsɪʃ/

The word Russisch descends from the Byzantine Greek word Rhôs, which was used to describe the people of the Kievan Rus'.
While Russisch is the name of the language, the word for the Russian nationality is Russe for a man and Russin for a woman. Using russisch to describe a person can sometimes sound like you are describing their style or qualities rather than their origin.
In German, the word Russisch can be used as an adverb to describe how something is spoken or written, meaning 'in Russian'.

Er kann auch Russisch.
He can also speak Russian.
Tatoeba #947237 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #435647 by CK
Er mag russischen Pop.
He likes Russian pop.
Tatoeba #7712469 by wolfgangth, translation #5331154 by Adelpa
Er kann Russisch lesen.
He can read in Russian.
Tatoeba #10031838 by Yorwba, translation #9013739 by Ricardo14
Sie ist mit Russen befreundet.
She is friends with Russians.
Der Film ist auf Russisch mit deutschen Untertiteln.
The movie is in Russian with German subtitles.
330 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are talking about their language studies at a cafe.

Maximilian

Sprichst du eigentlich Russisch, Julia?
Do you actually speak Russian, Julia?
Julia

Ja, ich habe Russisch in der Schule gelernt.
Yes, I learned Russian in school.
Maximilian

Das ist ja toll!
That is great!
Julia

Danke, aber ich habe es fast vergessen.
Thanks, but I have almost forgotten it.

Sources

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