On September 14, we celebrate German Language Day, a day dedicated to honoring the rich history and linguistic heritage of the German language. One notable, though now obsolete, example of German’s unique complexity is the long word “Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz,“
which translates to “Beef Labeling Monitoring Delegation Act.” While this term may seem daunting to non-German speakers, it reflects the language’s detailed and precise nature.
German is also the language of renowned poets like Bertolt Brecht and Rainer Maria Rilke, and has left a significant mark on classic Weimar-era cinema. Established 17 years ago by the German Language Association (VDS), German Language Day aims to promote and revive the use of German worldwide, encouraging more people to embrace and learn this fascinating language.
History of German Language Day
Origins of the German Language
The German language, known as “Deutsch,” has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. Historical records suggest that German-speaking communities were encountered by individuals from the Roman Empire as early as the 1st century. Today, German is a prominent language in several European countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Tyrol region of Italy.
German Language and Its Similarity to English
German and English share a common linguistic heritage, resulting in a significant overlap in vocabulary. Lexically, the two languages are approximately 60% similar, reflecting their shared roots and influences.
Establishment of German Language Day
German Language Day was initiated by the German Language Association (VDS) and has since gained recognition from the United Nations General Assembly and Conference. The day aims to celebrate and promote the appreciation of the German language and the diverse cultures that use it.
By highlighting the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the German language, German Language Day serves as an opportunity to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of this influential language.
Activities for German Language Day
Explore German Culture
Immerse yourself in German culture by visiting a German pastry shop or bookstore in the U.S. If you can’t travel to Germany, these local spots offer a taste of the language and culture.
Enjoy a German Beer and Bratwurst
While it’s not Oktoberfest, enjoying a cold German beer and bratwurst is a fitting way to celebrate. Prost!
Take a German Language Class
If learning a new language is on your bucket list, German Language Day is the perfect occasion to start. With today’s technology, accessing German language learning resources is easier than ever. Online courses, smartphone apps, and virtual lessons with native speakers offer flexible and convenient options to begin your German language journey.
Read a German Author or Watch a German Film
If you’re not ready to dive into learning German just yet, you can still celebrate by engaging with German culture. Read a book by a German author, even if it’s in translation, or watch a German film with English subtitles. This allows you to appreciate the language and culture in a more accessible way.
Why German Language Day Matters
Preserving Culture
German Language Day serves as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage preserved in the German language. The language has been a vessel for centuries of stories, traditions, and philosophies. Celebrating this day honors the contributions of German poets, novelists, and thinkers who have shaped both European and global perspectives.
Promoting Language Learning
As the most widely spoken language in Europe, German holds significant importance in the global landscape. German Language Day emphasizes the value of learning German, highlighting its benefits for career opportunities in Europe and offering deeper insights into German culture, business practices, and academic resources.
Celebrating Linguistic Diversity
German is spoken not only in Germany but also in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and parts of Belgium and Italy. Each region brings its own dialect and cultural variations to the language. German Language Day celebrates this linguistic diversity and the shared histories that unite these German-speaking regions.
5 Fascinating Facts About the German Language
1. Sixth Most Widely-Spoken Language
German ranks as the sixth most widely-spoken language in the world, following Chinese, English, Hindi-Urdu, Spanish, and Russian. It is also the most widely-spoken language in Europe.
2. Language of Great Thinkers
German is the language of influential writers and thinkers such as Goethe, Schiller, Brecht, Marx, and Nietzsche.
3. Sister Language to English
German and English are both part of the West Germanic language family and have significantly influenced each other’s cultures.
4. Three Grammatical Genders
Unlike English, German has three grammatical genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. Some languages, like Polish, feature even more grammatical genders.
5. Unique German Proverbs
German proverbs can be quite amusing. For example, “Das ist nicht dein Bier” translates to “that’s not your beer,” but it means “this is none of your business.”
Why We Love German Language Day
German is Europe’s Most Widely-Spoken Language
With 95 million native speakers, German is the primary language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The complexity and richness of the language are exemplified by long compound words.
Preserving Language and Culture
In a globalized world where English is increasingly dominant, German Language Day helps preserve the German language and culture. Watching German television or engaging with German media can enhance your appreciation of the language.
The Value of Maintaining Mother Tongue
For German children living outside Germany, keeping their mother tongue is vital for connecting with their heritage. Being bilingual or multilingual also offers significant advantages in the international business world.
FAQs About German Language Day
What is German Language Day?
German Language Day, known as “Tag der deutschen Sprache,” is a celebration dedicated to recognizing and promoting the German language. The day highlights the language’s significance and encourages its learning and preservation.
When is German Language Day Celebrated?
German Language Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of September.
Who Initiated German Language Day?
The Association for the German Language (Verein Deutsche Sprache e.V.) and various linguistic and cultural organizations established German Language Day to advocate for the German language and its importance.
Why is German Language Day Important?
With over 100 million native speakers, German is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union. Celebrating German Language Day helps preserve the language and acknowledges its rich contributions to literature, science, and culture.
How Can One Participate in German Language Day?
You can participate in German Language Day by attending German language events, reading German literature, enrolling in German language courses, or engaging in conversations in German.
