die Sprache
language
A system of words, grammar, and sounds used for communication by the people of a country or region.
EXAMPLE
Sie spricht fließend drei verschiedene Sprachen.
She speaks three different languages fluently.
die Sprache
language
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Meanings
die Sprache
speech
A person's ability to speak.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall verlor er vorübergehend die Sprache.
After the accident, he temporarily lost his speech.
zur Sprache bringen
to bring up
To mention a topic or put it up for discussion.
EXAMPLE
Ich werde das Problem bei der nächsten Teamsitzung zur Sprache bringen.
I will bring up the problem at the next team meeting.
die Sprache
language / style
The particular style of writing or speaking used by a person or in a specific field.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter ist für seine bildhafte und poetische Sprache bekannt.
The poet is known for his vivid and poetic language.
die Sprache
language
A formal system of commands and rules for creating computer programs (programming language).
EXAMPLE
Für die Webentwicklung lernen viele die Sprache JavaScript.
For web development, many people learn the language JavaScript.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Sprache' (language) is the noun related to the verb 'sprechen' (to speak). This connection is fundamental: language is the system we use to speak.
EXAMPLE
Er spricht so leise, dass ich ihn kaum verstehe.
He speaks so quietly that I can hardly understand him.
Common compound words
The word '-sprache' (-language) forms the second part of many important nouns. Examples include 'Muttersprache' (native language), 'Fremdsprache' (foreign language), 'Fachsprache' (technical/specialized language), or 'Umgangssprache' (colloquial language).
EXAMPLE
Englisch ist für viele Menschen die erste Fremdsprache, die sie lernen.
For many people, English is the first foreign language they learn.
Typical verbs
When referring to a specific language such as German or English, the verbs 'lernen' (to learn), 'sprechen' (to speak), 'verstehen' (to understand), and 'beherrschen' (to master) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Um eine Sprache fließend zu beherrschen, muss man viel üben.
To master a language fluently, you have to practice a lot.
Context clue
The meaning 'ability to speak' is often recognized by certain verbs. It is typically used when someone loses or regains this ability, for example in 'die Sprache verlieren' (to lose one's speech) or 'die Sprache wiederfinden' (to regain one's speech).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schock hatte er für einen Moment die Sprache verloren.
After the shock, he lost his speech for a moment.
Fixed expression
The expression 'etwas zur Sprache bringen' (to bring something up) means to mention a topic. The topic being mentioned is always in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Bedenken in der Sitzung zur Sprache gebracht.
He brought up his concerns in the meeting.
Context clue
When 'Sprache' (language/style) means a style, there is often an adjective before it that describes this style. Examples are 'einfache Sprache' (simple language), 'formelle Sprache' (formal language), 'bildhafte Sprache' (vivid/figurative language), or 'technische Sprache' (technical language).
EXAMPLE
Der Autor ist für seine klare und einfache Sprache bekannt.
The author is known for his clear and simple language.
Compare with
Sprache vs Zunge
tongue
Sprache is the neutral term for the communication system of a country or region. Zunge can refer to the same language in a figurative, elevated style. In factual statements, Sprache is the usual choice; Zunge fits better in literary or ceremonial texts.
Sprache
Die Sprache der Region wird auch in vielen Schulen unterrichtet.
The language of the region is also taught in many schools.
Zunge
Die Zunge der Region wird auch in vielen Gedichten gewürdigt.
The tongue of the region is also celebrated in many poems.
In real life
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