The Dutch language is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it is one of the official languages. It is also spoken in parts of France and Germany, as well as in several former colonies, including Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean. Dutch is closely related to German and English, sharing many similarities in vocabulary and grammar. The language uses the Latin alphabet and has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors like Harry Mulisch and Anne Frank. Dutch is known for its unique sounds, including the guttural "g" and the diphthong "ui."