In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 German Speaking Countries in the World. You can also take a detailed look at the 5 German Speaking Countries in the World.
Germany, known for its precision, efficiency, and innovation, holds a prominent place in the global economic landscape. Across the world, there are quite a few countries where German serves as a significant language, either as an official language or as a widely spoken minority language. The German language wields considerable influence in the global business landscape, with ramifications extending beyond linguistic proficiency to impact economies and business performances in various countries.
German serves as a key language in international trade, especially in industries where Germany plays a significant role, such as automotive, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Proficiency in German can facilitate smoother communication, negotiation, and collaboration between businesses in German-speaking countries and their international partners.
According to data from the country, Germany consistently ranks among the top exporting countries. Germany was the world’s third-largest exporter, with exports totaling $1.56 trillion in 2023. However, it was a 2% decline year over year. Additionally, trade between German-speaking countries is substantial. For instance, exports from Germany to Austria in 2022 amounted to $86.4 billion, and trade between Germany and Switzerland totaled around $76 billion.
Moreover, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland collectively represent a lucrative market with high purchasing power. For instance, Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest globally by nominal GDP. In 2023, Germany’s GDP stood at approximately $4.15 trillion. Austria and Switzerland also boast strong economies, with GDPs of around $476 billion and $703 billion, respectively. Access to these markets through proficiency in German can significantly impact business revenues and market share.
Furthermore, countries with a strong presence of German speakers may attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from German-speaking regions. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that Germany is a major source of outward FDI. Therefore, countries with a significant population of German speakers may attract German investment due to linguistic and cultural ties, leading to economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, countries with a proficient German-speaking workforce may benefit from increased tourism revenue and job opportunities in the hospitality sector. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are popular tourist destinations. In 2022, domestic and international tourists booked 38.6 million overnight stays in resorts and homes in Germany. The platforms tourists used included AirBnB, TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia. These platforms saw 39.8% YoY increase of overnight bookings, according to German Federal Statistics Office.
Some companies have been seen performing specifically well in German speaking countries, due to reasons like better chances of a brand to settle in such countries due to the familiarity of language and better communication from the brands. For example, Siemens A G (SI) has established a strong market presence in German-speaking countries, reflected in its market share and revenue generation. In fiscal year 2023, Siemens A G (SI) generated revenue of $84.4 billion, which includes significant contributions from German-speaking countries.
Similarly, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is another such example. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP)’s strong customer base in German-speaking countries contributes to its revenue growth and financial performance. In 2023, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) generated total revenue of $33.6 billion, with significant contributions from its operations in Europe, including German-speaking countries.
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Methodology
To shortlist the 15 German Speaking Countries in the World, we consulted the data from World Atlas, Via Travelers, My Class Tracks, Tomedes, and Lingoda to gain information on German speaking countries in the world and to learn about the number of German speakers in these countries. The list of the 15 German Speaking Countries in the World has been ranked in ascending order – from countries with lesser number of German speakers to most number of German speakers.
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15. Czechia
No. of German Speakers: 54,000
Czechia boasts a population of German speakers numbering around 54,000. The presence of German speakers in Czechia can be traced back to historical migrations and the country’s multicultural past. While Czech is the dominant language in Czechia, German has had a significant influence on the country’s history, particularly in regions bordering Germany and Austria. German speakers in Czechia contribute to the nation’s cultural diversity, enriching the country’s linguistic landscape with their heritage and traditions. Despite being a minority language, German holds importance in certain sectors such as education, commerce, and tourism.
14. Paraguay
No. of German Speakers: 65,000
Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America, harbors a population of German speakers numbering approximately 65,000. German-speaking communities in Paraguay are primarily concentrated in rural areas, where they have preserved their language, traditions, and cultural heritage through generations. German speakers in Paraguay contribute to the nation’s cultural diversity, enriching the country’s multicultural fabric with their unique customs and folklore. Even though it is a minority language, German holds significance in certain sectors such as agriculture, commerce, and education. The mix of German and Spanish languages in Paraguay reflects the country’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for its diverse cultural heritage.
13. Hungary
No. of German Speakers: 68,000
Hungary hosts a population of German speakers numbering around 68,000. While Hungarian is the dominant language in Hungary, German has had a significant influence on the nation’s history, particularly in regions bordering Austria and Slovakia. German speakers in Hungary contribute to the country’s cultural diversity, enriching its linguistic landscape with their heritage and traditions. Despite being a minority language, German holds importance in certain sectors such as commerce, tourism, and education. The coexistence of German and Hungarian languages in Hungary serves as a testament to the country’s multicultural heritage and its commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation among different linguistic and cultural communities.
12. Romania
No. of German Speakers: 76,000
Romania has a population of German speakers numbering approximately 76,000. While Romanian is the official language of Romania, German has had a significant influence on certain regions, particularly in Transylvania and Banat. German speakers in Romania contribute to the country’s cultural diversity, enriching its linguistic landscape with their heritage and traditions. German holds importance in certain sectors such as commerce, education, and cultural exchange. The coexistence of German and Romanian languages in Romania reflects the country’s multicultural heritage and its commitment to promoting tolerance and inclusivity among different linguistic and cultural communities.
11. Belgium
No. of German Speakers: 81,000
Belgium has a population of German speakers numbering around 81,000. The presence of German speakers in Belgium can be attributed to the country’s complex linguistic and cultural diversity. While Dutch and French are the dominant languages in Belgium, German is also recognized as an official language, particularly in the region of the East Cantons. German speakers in Belgium contribute to the country’s cultural mosaic, enriching its linguistic landscape with their heritage and traditions. German, Dutch, and French languages in Belgium reflect the country’s commitment to linguistic pluralism and its efforts to promote understanding and cooperation among different linguistic and cultural communities.
10. Italy
No. of German Speakers: 295,000
Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, hosts a considerable number of German speakers, totaling around 295,000. The majority of German speakers in Italy are concentrated in the autonomous province of South Tyrol, nestled in the stunning Alpine region. South Tyrol’s linguistic diversity is deeply rooted in its historical ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and subsequent annexation by Italy after World War I. Despite Italian being the dominant language in Italy, German enjoys official status alongside Italian in South Tyrol, highlighting the region’s unique cultural heritage. German speakers in Italy actively contribute to the preservation of their linguistic and cultural identity through educational initiatives, media outlets, and cultural associations.
9. Poland
No. of German Speakers: 491,000
Poland, celebrated for its resilient spirit and rich cultural traditions, harbors a significant population of German speakers, numbering approximately 491,000. Despite a complex history marked by conflicts and political upheavals, modern Poland embraces its multicultural heritage, fostering an environment of tolerance and inclusivity. German speakers in Poland actively participate in cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and community events, contributing to the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Their presence underscores Poland’s commitment to reconciliation and understanding, enriching the country’s cultural landscape with diverse traditions and perspectives. Through their language and heritage, German speakers in Poland bridge the gap between different linguistic and cultural communities, promoting unity and mutual respect.
8. Canada
No. of German Speakers: 497,000
Canada hosts a significant population of German speakers, numbering approximately 497,000. German speakers in Canada are dispersed across the country, with notable concentrations in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. The presence of German speakers in Canada can be attributed to historical waves of immigration, including settlers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. These immigrants have made enduring contributions to Canada’s multicultural fabric, enriching the nation’s cultural landscape with their language, traditions, and customs. German-speaking communities in Canada actively participate in preserving their heritage through cultural organizations, language schools, and community events. Their presence serves as a testament to Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity, where immigrants are celebrated for their diverse backgrounds and contributions to the nation’s identity.
7. Kazakhstan
No. of German Speakers: 589,000
Kazakhstan, a vast Eurasian nation known for its nomadic traditions and diverse landscapes, has a population of German speakers, numbering approximately 589,000. The presence of German speakers in Kazakhstan can be traced back to historical migrations, particularly during the 18th century when Germans settled in the region under Catherine the Great’s rule. These settlers, known as Volga Germans, established thriving communities in the steppe regions of Kazakhstan, contributing to the country’s cultural and economic development. Today, German speakers in Kazakhstan play active roles in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and cultural exchange, fostering connections between Kazakhstan and German-speaking countries worldwide. Their resilience and cultural contributions add depth to Kazakhstan’s multicultural society, reflecting the nation’s commitment to embracing diversity and preserving its historical heritage.
6. Brazil
No. of German Speakers: 1,070,000
Brazil, known for its vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes, hosts a significant population of German speakers, numbering approximately 1,070,000. These immigrants settled primarily in southern Brazil, forming tight-knit communities that preserved their language, traditions, and cultural heritage. Today, German-speaking communities in Brazil contribute to the nation’s cultural diversity, enriching Brazil’s cultural landscape with their unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine. German-speaking Brazilians actively participate in cultural organizations, language schools, and community events, maintaining strong ties to their German roots while embracing their Brazilian identity.
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Disclosure: none. 15 German Speaking Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.