How to Say German in German | Deutsch Language Reference
Updated for 2026, you might be surprised to learn that there's no direct equivalent to "French" or "Italian" when it comes to referring to the people or language of Germany in their own tongue. In English, we use the term 'German', but how do you say German in German?
The word for German in German is Deutsch. This term has a rich history and cultural significance that extends beyond just its linguistic meaning.
Etymology of 'Deutsch'
The word "Deutsch" traces back to Old High German, where it originally referred to the people who spoke a specific language. Over time, this term evolved to denote nationality as well. Interestingly, while English speakers use "German," French speakers refer to Germany and its inhabitants as "Allemagne" and "Allemand," respectively.
How to Say German in German
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The German Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common German words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In German, the word Deutsch is used to describe both the language and nationality. However, there are nuances when referring specifically to the language itself:
- (Das) Deutsch: Used when talking about an individual's or a group’s knowledge of the language.
- (Das) Deutsche: Refers to the language in general terms.
Common Phrases Using 'Deutsch' in Everyday Conversation
To ask how something is said in German, you would use Wie sagt man es auf Deutsch?. The preposition auf indicates the language being referred to. For example:
- Etwas aus dem Deutschen ins Französische übersetzen. - To translate something from German into French.
- Ihr Deutsch ist beeindruckend. - Your German is impressive.
Pronunciation Differences Between 'Deutsch' and 'Deutsche'
The pronunciation of (das) Deutsch and (das) Deutsche can be tricky. Both are pronounced [dɔʏ̯tʃ] or [dɔʏ̯tʃe]. Listen to the correct pronunciation here: Listen to the pronunciation.
Common Mistakes When Referring to German Language or Nationality
A common mistake is using an article when talking about speaking the language. For example, instead of saying Ich spreche das Deutsch, you should say Ich spreche Deutsch. Another frequent error is incorrectly modifying the noun with adjectives:
- Er spricht gut Französisch. - He speaks French well. (Gut modifies the verb)
- Er spricht gutes Französisch. - He has a good command of French. (Gut modifies the noun)
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