German is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union and has several dialects, including Bavarian, Swabian, and Low German. The language uses the Latin alphabet and has unique characters such as ä, ö, and ü. German grammar is known for its complexity, including noun genders and case systems. It plays a significant role in European culture, philosophy, and science, with notable figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Albert Einstein contributing to its rich literary and intellectual heritage.