# Germanic

/dʒɝˈmænɪk/ (US) · /dʒɜːmˈænɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/germanic
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

relating to the group of languages that includes English, German, and Dutch, or to the people who originally spoke them.

For teachers: relating to the branch of the Indo-European language family that includes English, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian languages, or to the ancient tribes of northern Europe.

## Examples

- English is a Germanic language.
- Scholars study ancient Germanic tribes to understand the early history of northern and central Europe.
- The shift from synthetic to more analytic structures is a notable feature in the historical development of several Germanic languages over the last millennium.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; when referring to the language family or historical tribes, it is always capitalised.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.