the German vs Germans

Both 'the German' and 'Germans' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The German' is used to refer to a singular person from Germany, while 'Germans' is used to refer to the people of Germany as a whole.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1182 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular person from Germany.

"the German"

Use 'the German' when you want to refer to a singular person from Germany. It is often used to describe a specific individual's nationality or characteristics.

Examples:

I met the German tourist at the museum.
The German chef prepared a delicious meal for us.

Show examples from the web [+]

Furthermore, we have also supported, in cooperation with the German authorities, an information campaign sponsored by the German Women's Council, which you know well.
Therefore, the place of Turkish language in the German education system must be decided entirely by the German authorities.
Just before death the German administered insulin.
The incident occurred well inside the German border.
There's the German Research Association, a private organization.
Under the German occupation we hid weapons in our flat.
The outgoing Commission therefore congratulates the German Presidency.
Releasing Jerry, the deal with the German.
I spoke to the German duke, Schuler.
With Schuler, the German duke.
Hitler trains as a Private in the German army.
Being part of the German army was something that Hitler deeply loved.
Among the German soldiers stationed in the trenches along the Western front is Adolf Hitler.
The Zimmermann telegram was one of the stupidest things the German government ever did.
But the German army remains powerful, meaning the Allies have to act fast.
That reveals an undetected gap in the German line.
The Allies relentlessly attack the German line from every direction.
Meaning we have not really defeated the German spirit.
Churchill returns to government convinced the German threat hasn't gone away.
Adolf Hitler leaves the German army to fully devote himself to the anti-government Workers Party.

Alternatives:

the French
the Italian
the Spaniard
the American
the Chinese

This phrase is correct when referring to the people of Germany as a whole.

"Germans"

Use 'Germans' when you want to refer to the people of Germany collectively. It is a plural noun used to describe the population of the country.

Examples:

Germans are known for their punctuality.
I have many German friends.

Show examples from the web [+]

There are Germans and Fascist everywhere.
Diplomacy had failed to stop the Germans.
He's testing the Germans for weaknesses.
Considerably more East Germans than West Germans seem to think that too many foreigners are residing within their own territory and even feel exploited by this group.
Those Germans said our grandfather stole their family recipe.
Might explain why the Germans came after Renner now.
During the Umsiedlung, 12,600 Baltic Germans leave Estonia.
Marriages between Czech nobles and Germans soon became commonplace.
Soon from outside Hodynich Germans appeared.
But machine gunners made Germans silent.
We Germans have to stick together abroad.
I helped the Germans steal our art.
Iracema beach is full of Italians, Germans...
There were Germans everywhere shouting and gesturing confusedly.
National avengers were shot by Germans.
Nearly 1300 Germans and 1000 Dutch are registered.
The manyfold program of the IG addresses migrants and Germans.
You can never really tell with Germans.
A grand can help us foresee the movements of the Germans.
We thought that the Germans couldn't allow people to escape.

Alternatives:

French people
Italian citizens
Spanish population
American residents
Chinese nationals

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the German vs Germans

"the German"

"Germans"

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