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русский
немецкий — meaning in English: German
nemetskiy · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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german
пенсионер
pensioner
честь
chest'
долг
dolg
карьера
kar'yera
немецкий
nemetskiy
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'немецкий' when discussing anything related to Germany or German culture, such as language, cuisine, or travel. For instance, someone might say, 'Я изучаю немецкий язык' (I am studying the German language) in a classroom setting or while chatting with friends who are interested in foreign languages.
Synonyms & nuances
'Немецкий' is specifically used to refer to anything that is German, whereas the word 'германский' (germanskiy) refers more to the Germanic peoples and their languages in a historical or broader ethnographic context. You would choose 'немецкий' when talking about contemporary German culture or language.
Culture
'Немецкий' derives from the Old East Slavic word 'немь' which means 'mute' or 'dumb,' a reference to the perception of German speakers in medieval times as being difficult to understand. This word not only signifies the language but also encompasses aspects of German culture, such as music, literature, and traditions, highlighting the rich intercultural ties between Russia and Germany.
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