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German dialect

Hessisch

Also known as: Hessian

A Central German dialect group covering Hesse around Frankfurt. The Frankfurt variety is widely recognisable from German television and theatre.

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Frequently asked questions

What language is Hessisch?

Hessisch is a dialect of the German language.

Where is Hessisch spoken?

Hessisch is primarily spoken in Germany.

Which region is Hessisch associated with?

Hessisch is part of the Europe region on DialectAtlas.

Is Hessisch known by other names?

Yes — Hessisch is also referred to as Hessian.

What are the other dialects of German?

German also includes Hochdeutsch, Bairisch, Schwäbisch, Sächsisch, Berlinerisch, Plattdüütsch, Kölsch, Wienerisch, Schwyzerdütsch, Namibian German, Hunsrik, Pennsylvania Dutch, Texas German. Each variety has its own vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural context.

Other German dialects

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Hochdeutsch

Standard German · Standard High German · Schriftdeutsch

The codified standard variety of German used in education, media, and administration across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Based on the High German consonant shift and a written norm dating to Luther; the spoken standard is conventionally associated with the Hanover region of Lower Saxony.

Bairisch

Bavarian · Bavarian-Austrian

A large Upper German dialect group spoken across Bavaria and most of Austria, with distinctive vowel shifts and vocabulary far removed from Standard German.

Kölsch

Cologne German · Ripuarian

A Ripuarian Central Franconian dialect spoken in Cologne and the surrounding Rhineland. Distinctive for its melodic intonation and rich local vocabulary.

Namibian German

Namdeutsch · Namibisches Deutsch · Namibia-Deutsch

The German variety of Namibia, maintained by a long-standing German-speaking minority and shaped by contact with Afrikaans, English, and Namibian languages such as Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, and Khoekhoegowab. It remains visible in schools, churches, media, tourism, and everyday community life, especially around Windhoek and the coast.

Hunsrik

Brazilian German · Riograndenser Hunsrückisch · Hunsrückisch

A German-derived minority variety spoken by descendants of nineteenth-century settlers in southern Brazil, especially Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. It descends mainly from Hunsrück Franconian and has developed under long contact with Brazilian Portuguese.

Texas German

Texasdeutsch

An endangered German enclave variety spoken by descendants of nineteenth-century German settlers in central Texas, especially around New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and the Hill Country. It preserves older German features while reflecting long contact with American English.

Nearby dialects

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Sinte Manouche

183 km away

A northwestern Romanes variety spoken by Sinti and Manouche communities across Germany, France, the Benelux, and northern Italy. Shaped by long contact with Germanic and Romance languages.

Hochdeutsch

262 km away

The codified standard variety of German used in education, media, and administration across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Based on the High German consonant shift and a written norm dating to Luther; the spoken standard is conventionally associated with the Hanover region of Lower Saxony.

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