German is spoken by over 130 million people worldwide. Explore our map and list of all countries with German speakers, from official languages to minority communities.
1. Native German-Speaking Countries
| Country | Population (International) | Population (Indian Format) | % German Speakers | Official Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 83 million | 8 crore 30 lakh | ~95% | Sole official |
| Austria | 9 million | 90 lakh | ~90% | Sole official |
| Switzerland | 8.5 million | 85 lakh | ~62% | One of four |
| Liechtenstein | 40,000 | 40 thousand | >95% | Sole official |
| Luxembourg | 660,000 | 6 lakh 60 thousand | ~2% (Native)¹ | One of three |
¹Note for the article: “While only a small percentage are native speakers, a large majority of Luxembourgers (over 75%) can speak German as a second or third language.”
2. German as a Minority Language in Europe
German is also spoken by minority communities in various countries:
- Belgium – Recognized as one of the official languages in the German-speaking community of eastern Belgium.
- Italy (South Tyrol) – In this northern province, German is co-official alongside Italian.
- France (Alsace & Lorraine) – Alsatian, a German dialect, is still spoken by some locals.
- Denmark – Small German-speaking minority near the Danish–German border.
- Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia – Home to historic German-speaking communities.
3. German Around the World
Due to migration and historical events, German has spread far beyond Europe:
| Country / Region | Est. German-Speaking Population | Indian Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | ~20,000 | 20 thousand | Former German colony |
| United States | ~1.1 million | 11 lakh | Includes heritage speakers |
| Brazil | ~1.5 million | 15 lakh | Mainly in southern states |
| Argentina | ~400,000 | 4 lakh | Descendants of immigrants |
| Canada | ~400,000 | 4 lakh | Mostly in western provinces |
| Australia | ~75,000 | 75 thousand | Expats and heritage speakers |
| South Africa | ~12,000 | 12 thousand | Mostly in Namibia-bordering regions |
4. How Many People Speak German?
- Native speakers: Around 95–100 million (9 crore 50 lakh – 10 crore)
- Total speakers (including second-language learners): Over 130 million (13 crore)
- Rank: German is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union and ranks among the top 15 most spoken languages worldwide.
5. Why Learn German?
- Business opportunities – Germany is Europe’s largest economy.
- Education – Many world-class universities offer programs in German.
- Culture – From Goethe’s literature to Beethoven’s music and Oktoberfest traditions.
- Travel – Easier communication in multiple European countries.
Final Thoughts
German isn’t just a language of Germany—it’s a bridge to cultures, communities, and opportunities worldwide. Whether you plan to work in Berlin, ski in Austria, explore Swiss landscapes, or visit South Tyrol, knowing German can open many doors.
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Now that you know where German is spoken, are you ready to start speaking it? Jumpstart your learning with our practical guide to the 100 Most Common German Sentences for Beginners, complete with English and Hindi translations to get you started immediately.