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german

/ˈd͡ʒɜː.mən/

When referring to the people, language, or country of Germany, "German" must always be capitalized. Note that there is a common confusion between "German" (relating to Germany) and "germane" (meaning relevant). While they sound similar, "germane" is used in formal contexts like law or academic debate to describe something that fits the current topic.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Fatima is in the university library while Maya is at home.
Fatima

I'm totally swamped. Is your German tutor still available for a referral?

Fatima
Maya
Maya

Yeah, but don't flake on them like you did with the French class.

💡
Fatima uses the idiom 'swamped' to indicate she is overwhelmed with work. Maya provides a reality check using the verb 'flake', meaning to fail to keep an appointment or commitment, reflecting her brutally honest personality.

Meanings

adjective

Relating to Germany, its people, or its language.

"She is studying German history at the university."

adjective

Closely related; relevant or applicable to a specific subject.

"The lawyer argued that the witness's testimony was not germane to the case."

noun

A native or inhabitant of Germany, or someone of German descent.

"He is a German who moved to Canada in the 1990s."

noun

The language spoken in Germany.

"German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe."

Examples

Wait, do you actually speak German fluently?

Look, your point isn't even germane to this argument!

I love the sleek design of this German car.

Is that German beer you're drinking? Give me a sip!

My grandfather was a German who fled in 1939.

Stop bringing up things that aren't germane to the case!

I can't believe you forgot your German textbook again.

Is the translation into German already finished?

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error