German Sign Language

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A language of Germany

ISO 639-3
gsg
Alternate Names
DGS, Deutsche Gebärdensprache
User Population

80,000 in Germany (2014 German Deaf Association). Estimates vary: 80,000 signers (2014 German Deaf Association); 200,000 deaf signers (2014 EUD); 395,000 (2014 IMB). Total users in all countries: 80,600.

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2002, Disability Equality Act, Section 6(1)).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

Many regional lexical variations. Dialects in eastern and western Germany are similar, with differences comparable to those between northern and southern regions (Hessmann 1992). Some similarity to French [fsl] and other European sign languages. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Vigorous. 80 deaf schools with 11,000 students. Also schools that integrate deaf with hearing students (Müller 2012). Deaf associations. Used by all. Some also use English [eng] (Müller 2012). Some also use Standard German [deu] (Müller 2012).

Language Development

Standard German [deu] is used for writing. Some schools are teaching English for written use, using British Sign Language [bfi] or American Sign Language [ase]. TV. Theater. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1998. Agencies: German Society for the Hearing-impaired; German Association of the Deaf (DGB).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about German Sign Language
Other Comments

750 working sign language interpreters (2019 EUD). Teachers of the deaf have to complete a 5-year program at one of 5 universities. Two nationwide associations of professionals in deaf education (Müller 2012). Taught as L2. Christian.

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