Duitssprekende

Duitssprekende is a Dutch term used to describe a person who speaks German. The term can function as both an adjective and a noun: you can say "een Duitssprekende" or "de Duitssprekenden". It typically refers to someone whose primary language is German or who uses German fluently, whether as a native speaker or as a high-level second language.

In Dutch-language usage, the label is common in discussions of language skills, education, and multilingual society. It is not a precise demographic category; rather, it serves as a practical descriptor in contexts such as school attendance, work, or social integration where German language ability is relevant. German holds official status in several European regions, and German-speaking communities exist in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium (the German-speaking Community), and northern Italy (South Tyrol).

The term should be used neutrally, recognizing that language ability varies and that someone described as a Duitssprekende may be a native speaker or a proficient learner. It is distinct from nationality or ethnicity and is one of several language-based descriptors used in Dutch.