German Language Institute | Online German Language Course

1. Learn German at Langma

2. GERMANY FACT FILE • Official Language:  German • Population:  83 million  • Capital:  Berlin  • Government:  Federal republic • Literacy:  More than 99% can read & write. • Currency:  Euro • Calling Code:  +49 • Time Zone:  GMT +2 • National Colours:  Black, Red, & Gold • Major Rivers:  Rhine, Elbe, Main, Danube

3. HALLO! • German (Deutsch) is a West-Germanic language which is majorly spoken in Central Europe. Moreover, it is an official and co-official language of many European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, and Denmark. It is most similar to other West Germanic languages – including Afrikaans, Dutch, and English; furthermore, the similarities in vocabulary can be seen in languages like Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

4. Some Fascinating German Language Facts • If you wish to learn German Language then it is important to know the history and origins of the language you are learning. Langma School of Languages offers an insight into the fascinating German Language facts:

5. German is part of the West Germanic languages like English and Dutch • For centuries Germany being divided up into several small states, it was unified primarily by its literature, since the writers presented their view which helped readers to understand the similarities. When the unification of Germany started in the 19th century, linguist standardisations were adopted. Today’s largest German dictionary in existence is “DeutschesWörterbuch”, was begun by the Brothers Grimm in 1838.

6. German is the 3rd highest spoken Language in Europe • “German Sprachraum” means Central European German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. German is an official or minority language in South Tyrol (Italy), Luxembourg, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Namibia.

7. Some of the German words are unique and cannot be translated into other languages • “Lufftschloss” which means “castle in the sky” and used to state someone’s unrealistic dreams  • “Heimat” is a positive German terminology which states the relationship between a person and homeland • “Blaumachen” is similar to English expression “Blue Monday” which means usually on Mondays one feels gloomy or dispirited, especially because one has to return work or school after the weekend

8. Similarities in German and English • English is a language which is originally derived from West-Germanic, 2000 years ago; therefore, English and German languages are siblings meaning they are still closely related today. Since both the languages are originated from the same roots, it would be little surprising to know that there are strong resemblances. It is estimated that more than a third of English non-technical lexicons are Germanic; furthermore, both the languages have borrowed words from Latin, Greek, and French. 

9. If one can speak English, that means they know a few German words. English language has loaned many words from German and some of the words are frequently used. For example, “kindergarten” means “Garden for Children”, “Iceberg/Eisberg” “berg means mountain” “mountain of ice” & “Rucksack” means “a bag with shoulder straps carried on someone’s back”. There are many words borrowed in German languages and this can be especially evident in the words of technology, music, advertising, and fashion where an English speaker can hear a lot of familiar words and phrases. For instance, words like “Computer”, “Designer”, “Album”, “Image”, and “Laser” are borrowed.  English speakers who wish to learn German language, the most prominent similarity can be noticed in grammatical rules. This can be understood through the way verbs change its form and this can be further demonstrated with the verb “To drink” which is “Trinken” (German). English word would change its form according to tense “Drink – Drank – Drunk”; moreover, German Language follows the same rules “Trinkt – Trank – Getrunken”, and other verbs follow the similar basic rules. Hence, an English speaker may have an understanding of German verb pattern from the beginning.

10. Some Interesting Facts About Germany • Germany is the smallest nation according to the area; however, it is the world’s second-largest exporter. • Germany’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars.  • German economy ranks number one in Europe and number four worldwide. • Many international companies have made Germany their home.  • Germany is the EU’s largest economy, with a GDP of $3.73 trillion which equals all the Spanish-speaking countries combined.  • Germany is home to an intriguing culture, with a population of 81 million which makes it the second most populated country in Europe. 

11. 7.Germany produces more than 300 varieties of baked bread. 8.Germany is one of the world’s largest car producers and home to many luxurious automobile companies like “Volkswagen”, “Mercedes”, “Audi”, “BMW” & “Porsche”9.The biggest “Beer Festival” in the world is organised “Oktoberfest” in Munich, Bavaria, where the stein (beer glass) is of a litre. German Culture: Customs & Traditions Germany is well-known throughout the world for its long and rich history, which puts it at the forefront of European art, architecture, thought, & politics for over 1,000 years. The shaped culture is predominantly due to Christian values with art, literature, philosophy, reason, logic, and love for beer and sausages.

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