Fremdsprachigen

Fremdsprachigen is a German noun used to refer to people who speak one or more foreign languages, i.e., languages other than their native tongue. In standard usage it appears in the plural as die Fremdsprachigen and is common in sociolinguistic, educational, and migration-related writing. The term emphasizes linguistic competence rather than ethnicity and is often contrasted with terms like Muttersprache (native language) or Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German as a foreign language).

Derivation and form: Fremdsprachigen derives from Fremdsprache, meaning foreign language, with the suffix and plural noun formation typical for German. As a noun, it denotes a group of people defined by their use of foreign languages, rather than by nationality or ethnicity. The related adjective is fremdsprachig, used to describe objects or abilities related to foreign languages.

Usage and nuance: In research and policy contexts, Fremdsprachigen denotes a population characterized by multilingual or foreign-language skills. It intersects with topics such as multilingualism, integration, education, and access to services. Because labeling can influence how individuals are perceived, some scholars and practitioners prefer person-centered formulations such as Person(en) mit Mehrsprachigkeit or mehrsprachige Menschen, or more specific descriptors aligned with context. The term may be sensitive if used to stereotype or essentialize a diverse group.

See also: Fremdsprache, Fremdsprachigkeit, Mehrsprachigkeit, Migration, Integration.