top of page
volatia language network

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GERMAN LANGUAGE

German Language Solutions

Volatia is a leading provider of professional German language translation and interpreter services. Whether you are in the United States or anywhere else in the World, Volatia is uniquely capable of bridging all of your German translations and interpretations. 


The secret sauce is our proprietary technology, coupled with our vast network of professional German interpreters and translators.

Over 18,000 Interpreters are available on demand. Simply download our app or call our language line to access interpreters in more than 300 languages, including American Sign Language, 24/7/365. You can also schedule an interpreter for an in person meeting through terpX or by calling 877-VOLATIA or emailing customerservice@volatia.com.

The effort of translating your written materials demonstrates your commitment to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of your business relationships. Volatia can help you turn every written message into the language your customers understand.

Unleash your team with terpX, the most user-friendly and comprehensive Interpreter management and scheduling platform. This proprietary technology is designed with purposeful automations for organizations that provide or manage interpreter services on demand.

DEI Consulting

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are no longer optional dimensions for any business. Volatia guides your organization to develop and implement a language access program that ensures equitable communications for your customers, workforce, vendors, and partners. 

Solutions We Provide

Simplified Procurement

24 / 7 / 365

300+

18,000+

99%

20+

Why Choose 

VOLATIA

Generally speaking the German dialects are split into high German(Hochdeutsch) and low German (Niederdeutsch) vernaculars.


Northern vernaculars, such as the Schleswig, Holsatin, and Ostfriesian dialects, contain Low German.


Centrally located dialects such as Limburgish or Brandenburgische. In areas like Cologne (Ripuarian) and Hessen, Middle German is found.


Berlin is also right at the heart of the Middle German language area, but its dialect is metropolitan - A mixed dialect of a city consisting of vernaculars. 


In the area stretching from Franconia through Austria and Switzerland, Upper German is spoken.

German Dialects

Greeting Norms


  • Hallo - Hello

  • Guten Morgen - Good Morning

  • Guten Tag - Good Day

  • Guten Abend - Good Evening

  • Auf Wiedersehen - Goodbye (formal)

  • Cio - Goodbye (borrowed from Italian, popular with younger Germans)

  • Bis Morgen - See you tomorrow

  • Wie ist ihr - What is your name?




Communication Styles


Straightforward and direct speech is appreciated by the German culture, they are polite and the culture follows a formal communication style. Honesty is of extreme importance. They are diligent about thinking before speaking. 


Small talk is not a part of the German culture, the German approach of being direct reduces the risk that people will not comprehend what was said.




Personal space and touching


Personal boundaries are very important, individuals from non-contact culture stand further apart. Hugs are reserved for family and friends, within the German community arms length distance is sufficient. Unless they are close friends, touching someone on the shoulder or arm to illustrate a point is usually appropriate, but can otherwise be seen as a sexual advancement. People prefer not to touch each other during conversation. It's courteous to apologize if you inadvertently knock into someone and say “Entschuldigung” (excuse me).




Eye contact and gestures


Germans, particularly during face-to-face conversations, respect eye contact, seeing it as a sign of sincerity and participation in the discussion. An individual is considered to be untrustworthy and of poor character who does not look you in the eye. With discretion, smiles are used, normally reserved only for close friends and relatives. As is popular in the United States, Germans do not usually smile to demonstrate politeness.



German Culture Reference Guide

  1. Germany

  2. Austria

  3. Liechtenstein

  4. Luxembourg

  5. Swizterland

German is the most widely spoken mother language and an official language in 5 countries in the European Union which include: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. German is also an official language in Switzerland.

Countries Where German is the Official Language

bottom of page