englisch

Englisch is the German name for the English language, a West Germanic tongue that originated in England and is now spoken in many parts of the world as a first or second language. It developed from the languages of the Anglo-Saxon settlers and later absorbed elements from Norse and Norman French. The shift from Old English to Middle English and subsequently to Early Modern English occurred between roughly the 5th and 15th centuries, with standardization accelerated by the printing press and the growth of literature.

Modern English is spoken as a native language in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and serves as a common lingua franca in international communication. Variants include British English, American English, and numerous regional dialects and varieties, which differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling. While grammar remains broadly similar across varieties, usage and preferred forms can diverge, leading to standardized norms in school systems and publications.

The English writing system uses the Latin alphabet, with about 26 letters and a range of punctuation conventions. Spelling often preserves historical forms, while pronunciation has shifted, contributing to the characteristic mismatch between spelling and speech.

English plays a central role in global science, technology, business, media, and diplomacy. It is among the most studied second languages worldwide and is the primary or official language in several countries or regions.