The Germanic languages are a branch of the larger Indo-European language family. They originated in Northern Europe and are primarily spoken in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. This group includes major languages such as English, German, Dutch, and the Scandinavian languages. These languages share common features, including similar vocabulary and grammar structures. They are divided into three main subgroups: West Germanic, North Germanic, and East Germanic. While East Germanic languages, like Gothic, are now extinct, the other two groups continue to thrive and evolve in modern society.