We’re shining a spotlight on German! With over 100 million native speakers, German is the most widely spoken language in the European Union. It’s known for its long compound words, rich literary tradition, and precise expressions. German is the official language of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland – and you’ll find vibrant German-speaking communities across the globe.
Celebrated on the second Saturday of September, German Language Day is about honouring the rich history, culture, and creativity of the German language. From the magical worlds of the Brothers Grimm to everyday words like Kindergarten and Wanderlust that have travelled across languages, German is full of surprises. Say “Hallo!” with a story in German this month and let the adventure begin!
Fun Fact: Did you know that German once held the record for the longest word used in official documents? The 63-letter word Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz referred to a law about beef labelling. While it’s no longer in use, it’s a great example of how German builds words like Lego blocks!
Start your journey today! Free with your library card.
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