| The German language is a one of the world's major | | | | German-speaking communities are found throughout all |
| languages. The German language an is closely related | | | | of Europe and in significant numbers especially in the |
| to English and Dutch. | | | | United States and in Latin America. |
| The German language is a one of the world's major | | | | The international reach of the German language can |
| languages. The German language is closely related to | | | | also be seen in the various dialects that are derived |
| English and Dutch. Around the world, German is | | | | from German. For example, in Luxembourg and in |
| spoken by 100 million native speakers and | | | | neighboring areas significant portions of the population |
| approximately an additional 80 million non-native | | | | speak German dialects. |
| speakers. | | | | Of all countries where German dialects are spoken, |
| German is one of the 23 official languages of the EU | | | | the United States has the largest population of |
| and represents the largest number of speakers in the | | | | German speakers outside of Europe. The extent of |
| EU as well. | | | | German influence can be seen in part by the |
| The German language is spoken primarily in Germany, | | | | existence of a number of towns bearing German |
| Austria, and Switzerland. German is also spoken in | | | | names. Examples of this include, New Leipzig, Munich, |
| Liechtenstein and in Luxembourg. German is also | | | | and Strasburg in the state of North Dakota as well as |
| spoken in significantly numerical communities in Italy, as | | | | New Braunfels in the state of Texas. |
| well as in the East Cantons of Belgium, and in some | | | | Other communities retaining German dialects include |
| border villages of Denmark. | | | | those of a religious nature. Pennsylvania is home to |
| The extent of the German empire and its influence in | | | | Amish, Hutterites, Dunkards, and Mennonites. Kansas is |
| the of the 19th centuries through the end of the First | | | | also home to Mennonites and Volage Germans. Other |
| World War can be seen in surviving remnants of | | | | states with historic German communities include South |
| German speaking throughout Europe. The extent of | | | | Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, |
| German throughout Europe is also linked to the fact | | | | Oklahoma, as well as Illinois and New York. |
| that it was the language of commerce and | | | | The extent of the German language and its diversity |
| government in the Hapsburg Empire. Among other | | | | among even German states led to the process of |
| territory, the Hapsburg Empire encompassed present | | | | standardization over several hundred years largely |
| day parts of Romania, the Czech Republic, and | | | | through the work of writers attempting to write in a |
| Hungary. German communities can even be found in | | | | way that could be understood by the largest body of |
| Russia, and as far as Kazakhstan. | | | | potential readers. Nevertheless, regional differences |
| Even in Africa, home to various former German | | | | remain in spoken German depending on the region it is |
| colonies, present day Namibia maintains German | | | | spoken in. |
| speaking population. | | | | |