sign language
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sign language
An independent, visual language used mainly by deaf or hard-of-hearing people for communication. It consists of a combination of hand signs, facial expressions, and body posture.
Sie lernte die Deutsche Gebärdensprache, um sich mit ihrer gehörlosen Freundin unterhalten zu können.
She learned German Sign Language so she could talk with her deaf friend.
The word is made up of 'Gebärde' (gesture/sign) and 'Sprache' (language). A 'Gebärde' is a gesture or movement with the hands and body that has a meaning.
Jede Gebärde in der Gebärdensprache hat eine feste Bedeutung.
Every sign in sign language has a fixed meaning.
With 'Gebärdensprache' (sign language), the verbs 'lernen' (to learn), 'verwenden' (to use), or 'beherrschen' (to master) are often used. You can also say that you communicate 'in' or 'auf' Gebärdensprache.
Der Kursleiter kann fließend in Gebärdensprache kommunizieren.
The course instructor can communicate fluently in sign language.
Just like with spoken languages, there are different national sign languages. That is why people often speak more precisely of 'Deutsche Gebärdensprache' (German Sign Language, DGS) or 'Österreichische Gebärdensprache' (Austrian Sign Language, ÖGS).
Die Deutsche Gebärdensprache hat eine eigene Grammatik und ist als eigenständige Sprache anerkannt.
German Sign Language has its own grammar and is recognized as an independent language.
body language
'Körpersprache' (body language) and 'Gebärdensprache' (sign language) can both work without spoken words and use facial expressions, hands, or posture. But the difference is important: 'Körpersprache' is usually unconscious signals, for example a smile, crossed arms, or a nervous look. 'Gebärdensprache' is a real language with rules and fixed signs. It is used especially by deaf or hard-of-hearing people. The words can be confused because both are visible and use the body. Remember: Körpersprache often shows feelings; Gebärdensprache communicates whole sentences and information.
Im Kurs lernt Maria einfache Sätze in Gebärdensprache.
In the course, Maria learns simple sentences in sign language.
Wir merken an seiner Körpersprache, dass er unsicher ist.
We can tell from his body language that he is unsure.