German word

Sprache

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃpʁaːxə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounlanguage

Example

Ich lerne eine neue Sprache.

I am learning a new language.

Illustration for Sprache (language)

More examples

Im Tandem verbessere ich mein Gefühl für die Sprache.

In tandem, I improve my feel for the language.

Core concept

A flexible system carries both spoken words and written signs within a human community.

Common phrases

  • den Wortschatz einer Sprache erweitern

    expand the vocabulary of a language

  • ein Gespräch in der Sprache führen

    have a conversation in the language

Similar words

Fremdsprache: A language learned and used that is not one's native language.
Muttersprache: The first language naturally learned at home during childhood.
Dialekt: A regional form of speech with distinctive pronunciation and expressions.
Umgangssprache: Informal language used in everyday conversation.

Definition in German

Ein System von Lauten, Zeichen und Regeln, das Menschen zur Verständigung verwenden.

Word origin

Sprache is an inherited Germanic noun from Old High German sprāhha, which belongs to the same word family as sprechen.

Usage tips

  • Deutsch can name the language by itself, so Ich lerne Deutsch is natural alongside Ich lerne eine neue Sprache.

Other meanings

  • speechnoun

Related words

  • Sprachlehrerlanguage teachernoun
  • Mehrsprachigkeitmultilingualismnoun

Word lists with this word