German
/ˈdʒɜːr.mən/noun
Relating to Germany, its people, or the German language.
Did you know?The exact origin of the Roman word *Germani* is uncertain, but classical writers used it for tribes east of the Rhine, and the name later became the basis for the modern national adjective.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Germani
“A collective name used by Roman writers for peoples east of the Rhine; the original sense is uncertain.”
Late Latin
Latin
Germania
“The land associated with the Germani.”
Old French
Old French
germain
“German; also used for a person from Germany.”
Middle English
English
german
“A German person or thing relating to Germany.”
Modern English
English
German
“Relating to Germany, its people, or the German language.”