friezen

Friezen, or Frisians, are a Germanic ethnic group native to the coastal regions around the North Sea, primarily in the Dutch province of Friesland (Fryslân) and in the northern German regions of East Frisia (Ostfriesland) and North Frisia (Nordfriesland). They share linguistic and cultural ties and are distinguished by a distinct historic and regional identity.

The Frisian languages form the westernmost branch of the Germanic language family and are closely related to English. West Frisian is the most widely spoken today, used in daily life and education in Friesland. East Frisian and North Frisian are spoken by smaller communities in Germany and are protected as regional or minority languages under European and national frameworks.

Historically, Frisians inhabited the coastal belt from the southwestern tip of the Jutland peninsula to parts of what is now northwestern Germany. In the early Middle Ages they formed a Frisian Kingdom under rulers such as Aldgisl and Redbad, but their independence waned as they were gradually incorporated into the Frankish realm and later into the Holy Roman Empire. Christianization began in the 7th and 8th centuries through missionaries such as Willibrord.

Today Frisian communities maintain a regional cultural identity rooted in seafaring, trade, and local traditions. In the Netherlands, Friesland has language rights and cultural autonomy within the state, and Frisian culture participates in regional politics, arts, and festivals. In Germany, East and North Frisian communities continue to preserve their languages and cultural practices with ongoing support from minority-language policies.