Britannica Explores: German Language

The video explores the German language, highlighting its ties to English as both are West Germanic languages. It discusses how many English words, such as 'angst', 'kindergarten', and 'delicatessen', have German origins. The video also explains the German influence on the word 'dollar', originally a large silver coin. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of languages and encourages learners by showing how much German they might already know.

Which countries have German as an official language?

• Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

• France, Belgium, and Luxembourg

• Italy, Spain, and Portugal

• Norway, Sweden, and Finland

What is the relationship between German and English?

• They are both Slavic languages

• They are both Celtic languages

• They are both Romance languages

• They are both West Germanic languages

Which of the following words in English is derived from German?

• Sushi

• Pasta

• Ballet

• Angst

What is the origin of the word 'delicatessen' in English?

• It is a direct borrowing from Italian

• It is a native English word

• It comes from German through French and Latin

• It originated from Spanish

What was the 'dollar' originally in German history?

• A type of bread

• A traditional dance

• A style of painting

• A large silver coin