multilingualer

Multilingualer is a term most often encountered in German-language contexts to describe someone who can use more than one language, or to describe the ability of using several languages. In English, the direct equivalent is multilingual, which is used as both an adjective and a noun. The form multilingualer is the inflected, masculine singular adjective form in German and can function as part of a noun phrase, though more natural German would typically use special nouns such as Mehrsprachiger or mehrsprachige Person for a person.

In linguistics and related fields, multilingualism refers to the use of multiple languages by an individual or within a community. A multilingual individual may have varying levels of proficiency across languages, depending on factors such as exposure, education, and use in daily life. Languages may be acquired simultaneously in early childhood or sequentially later in life, and proficiency can range from basic conversational ability to native-like fluency. Multilingualism can be functional, instrumental, or symbolic, supporting communication, cultural identity, and professional opportunities.

Multilingualism is distinct from bilingualism, which generally denotes two languages, and from polyglot, which is often used to emphasize breadth or notoriety in language learning. It also intersects with concepts such as code-switching and translanguaging, where speakers mix linguistic resources to suit communicative goals. In policy and education, multilingualism is studied for its cognitive, social, and economic impacts, as well as for designing inclusive multilingual environments.

See also: bilingualism, multilingualism, polyglot, language proficiency, code-switching, translanguaging.