German C2 · Language Varieties & Dialects
Übung: Sprachvarietäten – C2 German Grammar
Practice: language varieties – summary
German is not a single uniform language but a bundle of varieties that coexist. Language competence at C2 level means being able to recognise and understand them and to choose appropriately depending on the situation.
Dimensions of variation
| dimension | variety | example |
|---|---|---|
| region | dialects, regional colloquial | Moin (north), Grüß Gott (south) |
| country | German / Austrian / Swiss Standard German | Tüte – Sackerl (bag), Fahrrad – Velo (bike) |
| situation | standard – colloquial | Hast du – haste |
| social group | sociolects, youth language, jargon | cringe, flexen; deployen |
| medium | spoken – written | ellipsis vs. full sentences |
Dialect – regiolect – standard
| level | example (Ich habe nichts gemacht. – I didn't do anything.) |
|---|---|
| dialect (Bavarian) | I hob nix gmacht. |
| regional colloquial | Ich hab nix gemacht. |
| standard | Ich habe nichts gemacht. |
Code-switching
Many people switch between varieties depending on the situation: standard at the office, dialect at home, colloquial with friends. This ability is called code-switching – a sign of high language competence.
Attitudes to varieties
- Dialects are often regarded today as likeable and rooted in a region.
- In formal situations standard German is usually expected.
- Austrian and Swiss Standard German are not mistakes but equally valid.
Examples:
- „Grüezi mitenand!" (Switzerland) = Guten Tag zusammen! (Hello everyone!)
- „Des is ma wurscht." (Bavarian) = Das ist mir egal. (I couldn't care less.)
- „Ich hab heute voll viel zu tun." (colloquial – I've got loads to do today.)
- „Ich habe heute sehr viel zu tun." (standard – I have a great deal to do today.)
- „Der Paradeisersalat schmeckt leiwand." (Austria) = Der Tomatensalat schmeckt toll. (The tomato salad tastes great.)