Over 15.4 million people learn German as a foreign language every year, while acquiring this language many people explore that there are over 240+ German Dialects. These dialects are originated from different parts of Germany. Just like other languages have variants, German also has dialects. Therefore, in this blog, you will explore various types of dialects of German, why they have so many languages, and more. So, buckle up to explore different German vernaculars.
Table of Contents
A German dialect means a regional variety of different German languages. It has different pronunciation, grammar features, and vocabulary according to the particular area within German language-speaking regions. Moreover, they are grouped into three parts: upper German, central German, and low German. Thus, there are many regions in Germany, and as per that, dialects of German have developed over time.
However, the major one used is the standard German dialect known as Standarddeutsch (Standard German) or Hochdeutsch (High German). Thus, this was all about the meaning of the German language dialects. Now, in the next section, you will explore why there are many dialects of German. So, let’s navigate.
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You might be wondering why Germans have so many dialects. It is because of the modification in historical factors such as the decentralized structure taken place in the holy empire, that there was a geographical separation and development of independent local governance. Thus, due to that various regions created their own unique language variation, leading to the creation of different German dialects.
Moreover, this region further converted into different language-speaking tribes who got settled in different regions creating their own language. Thus, it got evolved into a different German Dialects that we are going to explore in nest following sections.
The different German dialects have come from the Germanic language tree. It consists some of English, Dutch, Frisian, and plenty of northern European influences. Hence, you can say that it is the outcome of numerous dialects of German blending together over several generations, just like any other language.
This was all about knowing the purpose of emerging several German languages. Now, it’s time to explore some major types of German dialects. So, let’s explore
Also read: German Alphabets
As you read, numerous German dialects are spoken in different regions of the country. However, this is the major one that a learner should learn. However, it could be challenging for learners to choose the one. Thus, below are nine types of different German dialects, have a look:
This is the German dialects list that are major ones. In the next section, understand these dialects in detail through a brief explanation. So, let’s move ahead.
This German Dialect has come from the northern seas Germanic tribes. However, there are minor differences in north Frisian pronounced in the Danish border. Moreover, people considered Frisian is a good sample of how new language is created beyond political boundaries.
The low German dialect is slightly close to the Frisian but has its roots in the continental tribes. The Niederdeutsch is mainly spoken in Dutch borders, and it contains variations like Northern Lower Saxon, Brandenburgian, or Westphalian. Although the relation between English words is evident the pronunciation in German Wasser with T instead of using S. For instance, they pronounce “water” as “wasser”. This dialect of German is spoken specifically in the northern parts of Germany.
With no amazement, Mitteldeutsch is spoken in middle German. Moreover, these German dialect is a combination of two subgroups, East Central German and West Central German. Also, this is spoken by many Germans who live on this border. However, in this dialect, there are many variants.
Swabian German is another different type of German dialect that involves several sub-dialects, each having its own separate characteristics. Moreover, the way these sub-dialects convert the past participles of ‘sein’ (to be) into ‘gwäa’ or ‘gsei’ is often used to distinguish them from each other. Also, this gsei group is close to Alemannic dialects, such as Swiss German dialects encompassing West Swabian, Central Swabian, and South-East Swabian.
One more different German dialect is Bavarian, this language originated in Bavaria, situated in South Eastern Germany. Also, it is one of the largest among the 16 Bundesländer. Moreover, this dialect of German shares resemblances with other varieties, but it often confuses the natives who belong to another part of the country.
Also read: Long German Words
Sächsisch is also a German dialects that come from the Saxon tribe situated in the West Germanic tribes. In present Germany, it is located in It is in the Northwest and the East of the Netherlands. However, the politician and migration, have transformed the name Sächsisch into Sachen, but the language is the same.
The city language of Berlin seems to be becoming extinct due to some of the natives of Berliners staying outnumbered as all of them get attracted to the new capital of Germany and its linguistics. Also, these German Language dialect traits are prompted by the Berliner Schnauze, exemplifying the features like speech and attitude of Berliners.
Although the high German is softer than in the Bavarian district, the true Bayrich dialect is even more complex. This is hardly understood by the German native as it is different to pronounce. Thus, the reason for beginning the difficult German dialect is the old Bavarian languages being a mix of new Germanic and old Romanic terms.
The last type of German language is Österreichisch and Swiitzerdütschv is the high German of Switzerland, and Austria is a similar language used in Germany. Thus, if you know Swiss German dialects, you can easily read the Austrian newspaper. Moreover, spoken linguistics in this region is closer to Bayrisch, and Schwiitzerdütsch demonstrates its characteristic alteration.
Also read – Phrases In German
This was the list of German dialects, along with an explanation of every German vernacular. We understand it could be challenging to decide which German accents to learn, so let's identify this in the next section.
Main Reasons Why you should Study in Germany
The list of German dialects mentioned above articulated different types of German linguistics. If you are on the pathway to find which type of German language should be learned, then first choose to learn Standard German (Standarddeutsch). Thus, as a beginner, the standard German language will help you to learn from the basics to become proficient. Along with that, slowly, you will develop the skills to understand the different German Language dialects.
Also, it could be challenging for native speakers to understand the various German accents that are spoken differently. Thus, the resources shared above in the form of types can help you to gain language experience. Hence, every German Language dialect is unique in itself some might be difficult, and others are simple to pronounce. Therefore, the decision is up to you to choose the one that help you to learn German and become a professional speaker.
In a nutshell, Germany is a big country consisting of several small regions and various German dialects. It is pronounced differently in distinct areas. However, it could be an uphill battle for the learners, but the standard language in German can help you learn German and, afterward dialects. Therefore, refer to the types of dialects to know which one is best to learn. Also, if you want to know more about this language, you can enroll in German online coaching at Gradding. They provide the best study resources and practice tests that will help you learn this language.
There are over 250+ German dialects spoken by 230 million German speakers in the world. The German dialect counting is endless as in many areas of Germany different types of linguistics are used.
The top three spoken languages in Germany are:
Swabian Dialects are considered to be the hardest language to understand by the German natives and learning students.
The easiest German dialect is the low German accent particularly spoken in western Germany. However, it shows a specific level of consistency, easy to understand, and contains more German words.
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