German language

The German language comprises a wide variety of German dialects spoken throughout Germany, Austria and other countries, mainly in northern Europe. Over 100 million people count some variety of German as a native language, and it remains an important second language for millions more, from Americans interested in the language as a link to their forefathers, to businesspeople, politicians and students who need to communicate with their customers, colleagues and peers.

One dialect among many has some prestige because it is mainly used in education, business, and government: Hochdeutsch ('High German') is that encountered by most second language learners, and by native speakers in school. This is the 'standard' variety of the language, but is not usually the speech of everyday conversation in such countries as Germany, where a regional dialect is most likely to be heard. In Switzerland the 'standard' is even less likely to be the preferred choice amongst German Swiss people, and is largely confined to print, broadcasting and formal lectures.