Compare two dialects of German side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.
Standard German · Standard High German · Schriftdeutsch
The codified standard variety of German used in education, media, and administration across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Based on the High German consonant shift and a written norm dating to Luther; the spoken standard is conventionally associated with the Hanover region of Lower Saxony.
Namdeutsch · Namibisches Deutsch · Namibia-Deutsch
The German variety of Namibia, maintained by a long-standing German-speaking minority and shaped by contact with Afrikaans, English, and Namibian languages such as Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, and Khoekhoegowab. It remains visible in schools, churches, media, tourism, and everyday community life, especially around Windhoek and the coast.
Start with Hochdeutsch or Namibian German based on the community, country, or media you expect to use most.
Shared language labels do not guarantee identical speech. Compare country coverage, aliases, and audio where available.
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