How Many Countries Speak German? A Guide to German-Speaking Nations Worldwide

When people think of the German language, they often picture Germany itself. But the truth is, German goes far beyond its borders. It is not only the most widely spoken native language in the European Union, but also a language with a global footprint. From Europe to Africa to the Americas, German communities continue to thrive, keeping their traditions, dialects, and culture alive.

So, how many countries speak German today? And why does it remain such an influential language in education, business, and culture? Let’s explore.

How Many Countries Speak German?

German is an official language in six countries, but it is spoken in more than 40 countries worldwide when you include heritage, regional, and minority communities.

• Native German speakers: About 90 million
• German as a second language: 10–25 million people
• German as a foreign language: 75–100 million learners
• Total speakers worldwide: Over 135 million

This makes German one of the top ten most spoken languages in the world, alongside English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Russian.

Countries Where German Is an Official Language

There are six countries where German has official or co-official status:

1. Germany

• Largest population of native German speakers (80+ million).
• Standard High German is widely used, but regional dialects like Bavarian and Swabian are common.

2. Austria

• Around 8 million people speak German as their first language.
• Austrian German has unique expressions and vocabulary compared to Standard German.

3. Switzerland

• Roughly 4.6 million German speakers.
• Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) is widely used in daily life, with distinct pronunciation and vocabulary.

4. Belgium

• German is one of three official languages (alongside French and Dutch).
• Mostly spoken in the eastern region near the German border.

5. Luxembourg

• A multilingual nation where people speak Luxembourgish, French, and German.
• German is used in schools, media, and government communication.

6. Liechtenstein

• The entire population (about 35,000 people) speaks German.

Countries With Partial or Regional German

Even outside the six main nations, German is recognized in certain regions:

• Italy (South Tyrol): German is co-official alongside Italian.
• Poland (Silesia & Opole): German is recognized as a minority language.
• France (Alsace & Lorraine): German dialects have deep historical roots.

Denmark (Southern Jutland): German minority communities still exist.

Migration, colonial history, and cultural exchange have spread German across the world. Today, you’ll find vibrant German-speaking communities in:

• Namibia: Due to colonial history, German is still used in some schools, media, and churches.
• Brazil: German immigrants settled in the south, and dialects like Hunsrückisch are still spoken.
• USA: German was once the second-most spoken language in America, with communities in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas still maintaining traditions.
• Russia & Kazakhstan: Home to descendants of the Volga Germans.
• Romania (Transylvania & Banat): Historic German communities continue to preserve their language.
• Australia, Canada, South Africa, Argentina: German immigrant communities live on through cultural organizations and family traditions.

Regional Dialects and Diversity

German is not uniform everywhere. Depending on where you travel, you’ll hear fascinating variations:

• Swiss German – A spoken dialect that differs significantly from Standard German.
• Austrian German – Includes vocabulary and pronunciation unique to Austria.
• Luxembourgish German mix – Influenced by French and Luxembourgish.
• German dialects in Brazil and Namibia – Preserved forms of older dialects rarely spoken in Europe today.

This rich variety makes German one of the most dynamic European languages.

German Culture Abroad: Festivals, Food, and Traditions

German-speaking communities have carried their traditions across continents.

• Festivals: Oktoberfest, Karneval, and Christmas markets are celebrated worldwide. In Brazil and the US, German festivals attract thousands every year.
• Cuisine: From sausages and pretzels to sauerkraut and schnitzel, German food has found fans across the globe.
• Schools: The German government supports more than 140 international German schools in 72 countries, offering education in German language and culture.
• Churches: Many German-speaking migrant groups maintain churches and community centers abroad.

Fun Facts About the Global German Language

• German is the most widely spoken native language in the EU.
• The USA once debated making German an official language in the 18th century.
• In Namibia, some street signs are still in German.
• In Brazil, certain German dialects are preserved better than in modern-day Germany.
• German words like kindergarten, doppelgänger, and wanderlust have entered English vocabulary.

Why Learning German Still Matters

With more than 135 million speakers worldwide, German is not just a European language; it’s a global one. It is a key language in:

• Business: Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe.
• Academics: German universities attract thousands of international students.
• Culture: From classical music (Beethoven, Mozart) to modern literature, German culture continues to influence the world.

If you are planning to study in Europe, work in multinational companies, or simply want to explore new cultures, the Interval learning German course opens countless doors.

At Interval Learning, we understand that learning German isn’t just about memorizing grammar rules; it’s about building real confidence to speak and connect with people.

Our Speak German course is designed to help beginners and intermediate learners master everyday German through interactive one-on-one sessions. Whether you dream of studying in Germany, traveling to Europe, or growing your career, we make German simple, fun, and practical.

Start your journey today with Interval Learning’s Speak German course and unlock opportunities worldwide.