German is one of the major languages spoken worldwide. German-speaking communities are known for their rich cultural heritage, including literature, music, art, and scientific contributions. The German language itself has a reputation for its precision, structure, and efficiency. It is recognized as an important language in various professional and academic fields.
Here are the top 5 German-speaking countries in the world, based on the number of German speakers:
- Germany – 78.3 million
- Austria – 8.9 million
- Switzerland – 4.6 million
- Liechtenstein – 38,000
- Luxembourg – 390,000
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1. Germany
Over 78 million people speak German as their native language in Germany, making it the largest German-speaking country in the world. German serves as the official language of Germany, and it serves as a center of German culture, history, and innovation. It is also spoken by a considerable minority in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
2. Austria
Over 8.9 million people speak German as their native language in Austria, making it the second largest German-speaking country in the world. Austrian German serves as the official language, and it is also spoken by a significant minority in neighboring countries like Italy and Slovenia. Austria’s reputation is built upon its breathtaking Alpine landscapes, contributions to classical music, and remarkable historical landmarks.
3. Switzerland
Over 4.6 million people speak German as their native language in Switzerland, making it the third largest German-speaking country in the world. Switzerland recognizes German as one of its four official languages. The Swiss-German-speaking area, encompassing cities like Zurich, Basel, and Bern, represents the German-speaking region of Switzerland.
4. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein ranks as the fourth largest German-speaking country globally, with over 38,000 people who speak German as their native language. German serves as the official language of Liechtenstein and enjoys widespread usage among the majority of the population. Liechtenstein gains recognition for its breathtaking Alpine scenery, low tax rates, and thriving cultural scene.
5. Luxembourg
Over 390,000 people speak German as their native language in Luxembourg, making it the fifth largest German-speaking country in the world. German, along with French and Luxembourgish, serves as one of the three official languages of Luxembourg. A significant portion of the population widely speaks German, despite the country having three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, and German).
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There are many other countries where German is spoken, such as Belgium, Italy, Namibia, and South Africa.
