1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Germany
b
: a person of German descent
c
: one whose native language is German and who is a native of a country other than Germany
2
a
: the Germanic language spoken mainly in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland
b
: the literary and official language of Germany
3
: a member of any of the Germanic peoples inhabiting western Europe in Roman times
4
often not capitalized
a
: a dance consisting of intricate figures that are improvised and intermingled with waltzes
b
chiefly Midland US
: a dancing party
specifically
: one at which the german is danced
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Germany, the Germans, or German
ger·man
ˈjər-mən 
: having the same parents or the same grandparents on either the maternal or paternal side
—usually used after the noun which it modifies and joined to it by a hyphen
brother-german
cousin-german
obsolete
: a near relative
Examples of German in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
Both genres are a fusion of European polkas (Czech and German) and Mexican rancheras that use the same instruments (the accordion, the bajo sexto and a drum kit), were developed in the same borderland region and are sung in Spanish.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Daniel Gerlach, German Middle East Specialist; Editor, Zenith Middle East Magazine
Russia sounds conspicuously diplomatic and in recent days was accentuating the political process and diplomacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
The outlet adds that the affidavit alleges there were tire tracks in the mud near Joshua's body and that mud was also allegedly found on German’s car tires, according to the affidavit.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for German 
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Noun
Blame it on her Libra spirit, but German was destined for this path.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
Both genres are a fusion of European polkas (Czech and German) and Mexican rancheras that use the same instruments (the accordion, the bajo sexto and a drum kit), were developed in the same borderland region and are sung in Spanish.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Daniel Gerlach, German Middle East Specialist; Editor, Zenith Middle East Magazine
Russia sounds conspicuously diplomatic and in recent days was accentuating the political process and diplomacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
The outlet adds that the affidavit alleges there were tire tracks in the mud near Joshua's body and that mud was also allegedly found on German’s car tires, according to the affidavit.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for German
Dictionary Entries Near German
Cite this Entry
“German.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/German. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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