German-language 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 like ä, ö, and ü. German is known for its compound words and precise grammar rules, making it a rich language for literature, philosophy, and science. Notable figures associated with the language include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Nietzsche.