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
Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Kai Havertz has adapted to the role remarkably well over the last two seasons, but the German’s injury in the second half of the season exposed how light for options Arsenal is in his position.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The 25-year-old German is a superb athlete whose career has been largely free of significant muscular injuries.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
While Google has yet to confirm what actually happened, one regional publication noted that the German Automobile Club, Europe's largest automobile association, had warned that there may be heavy traffic due to the holiday.
—Ashley Belanger – May 30, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for German
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Noun
While not common, your dog’s breed and age fits perfectly with the typical presentation of the disorder as German Shepherds are the most affected breed.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Kai Havertz has adapted to the role remarkably well over the last two seasons, but the German’s injury in the second half of the season exposed how light for options Arsenal is in his position.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The 25-year-old German is a superb athlete whose career has been largely free of significant muscular injuries.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
While Google has yet to confirm what actually happened, one regional publication noted that the German Automobile Club, Europe's largest automobile association, had warned that there may be heavy traffic due to the holiday.
—Ashley Belanger – May 30, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for German
Cite this Entry
“German.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/German. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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