die Amtssprache
official language
The language officially used by authorities, courts, and in the administration of a state or organization.
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz gibt es vier offizielle Amtssprachen.
Switzerland has four official languages.
die Amtssprache
official language
die Amtssprache, die Amtssprachen
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Amtssprache, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Amtssprachen |
| genitive | der Amtssprache |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Amtssprache | die Amtssprachen |
| accusative | die Amtssprache | die Amtssprachen |
| dative | der Amtssprache | den Amtssprachen |
| genitive | der Amtssprache | der Amtssprachen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
This word is made up of 'Amt' (office/authority, official body), the linking '-s-', and 'Sprache' (language). So it is literally the 'language of the office/authority'.
EXAMPLE
Die Amtssprache in Österreich ist Deutsch.
The official language in Austria is German.
Typical collocations
The word is often used in the combination 'offizielle Amtssprache' (official official language). Typical verbs are 'als Amtssprache festlegen' (to designate as an official language) or 'anerkennen' (to recognize).
EXAMPLE
Englisch wurde als zweite Amtssprache des Unternehmens festgelegt.
English was designated as the company's second official language.
Register
'Amtssprache' (official language) is a formal term from the legal and administrative sphere. It is used when referring to official communication by states or organizations.
EXAMPLE
Alle offiziellen Dokumente müssen in der Amtssprache verfasst sein.
All official documents must be written in the official language.
Compare with
Amtssprache vs Landessprache
national language
Amtssprache specifically refers to a language officially used by authorities, courts, or the administration. Landessprache can also refer to an official language, but it can additionally mean the predominant language in a country or region. Amtssprache is therefore more precise when referring to official administrative status.
Amtssprache
Deutsch ist die Amtssprache der Behörden dieses Landes.
German is the official language used by the authorities in this country.
Landessprache
Deutsch ist die vorherrschende Landessprache dieses Landes.
German is the predominant national language of this country.
In real life
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