German word

Fremdsprache

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁɛmtˌʃpʁaːxə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounforeign language

Example

Welche Fremdsprache lernst du?

Which foreign language are you learning?

Illustration for Fremdsprache (foreign language)

More examples

Viele verbessern ihre Fremdsprache durch Gespräche mit Muttersprachlern.

Many improve their foreign language through conversations with native speakers.

Core concept

A language outside the speaker's native-language circle, used as an additional means of communication.

Common phrases

  • eine Fremdsprache erlernen

    learn a foreign language

  • an der Fremdsprache feilen

    work on one's foreign language

  • sich in einer Fremdsprache verständigen

    communicate in a foreign language

Similar words

Zielsprache: The language designated as the focus of study or practical use.
Sprache: A human system for communicating through speech or writing.

Definition in German

Eine Sprache, die nicht die eigene Muttersprache ist und von jemandem gelernt oder verwendet wird.

Word origin

Fremdsprache is a compound of fremd, meaning foreign or unfamiliar, and Sprache, meaning language.

Usage tips

  • Fremdsprache is feminine, with the plural Fremdsprachen, and it can describe any non-native language rather than only one from another country.

Opposites

Related words

  • Fremdsprachenlernenforeign-language learningnoun
  • fremdsprachigforeign-languageadjective

Word lists with this word