The Curious Case of German Ancestry in American Society: Why German Isn't the Language of So Many White Americans

“Isn’t it weird that most White Americans have German ancestry at 13 and that’s more than Irish at 12 and English at 9 but most of them can’t even speak German?”

Not actually.

German's Historical Circumstances in the United States

German lost popularity in the USA during the years 1914–1918 and even more in 1941–1945. This decline was largely due to the impact of World War I and World War II, both of which created significant social and political upheaval.

Language Policies and Public Perception

With the advent of these wars, the use of the German language became a sensitive and often controversial subject. The fear of subversion, whether due to Nazi or Communist influences, led to increased scrutiny. For example, in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) monitored German-speaking newspapers, and individuals who spoke or wrote in German risked interrogation. This climate of mistrust and suspicion contributed to the eventual decline of German as a commonly spoken language in the United States.

Language Assimilation: A Necessity of Society

One of the primary reasons for the decline of the German language in the United States is the practicality and necessity of not needing to speak it. English has become the de facto language for all societal interactions: television, signs, newspapers, education, law, and religious practices. Whether it's a Bible read in a Catholic church, a school textbook, or a law document, everything is in English. The extensive use of the English language means that learning and speaking German is not only unnecessary but also increasingly rare.

Historical Influences: A Reflection of National Identity

Another factor that significantly influenced the decline of German is the cultural narrative of the United States. Throughout American history, prominent figures and historical events are often associated with British descent. Characters such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster, and many others are celebrated for their contributions to the nation's development. Even figures with dubious reputations, like Benedict Arnold, have British names. Conversely, figures with German or French names are often cast in a negative light.

Immigration and Integration

The immigration patterns of different ethnic groups have also played a role. Immigrants from countries like Germany, which had communities in Canada and the United States, often felt the pressure to assimilate quickly into American society. This meant learning English as a second language and abandoning their native tongues. The diverse mix of European immigrants, including those from eastern Europe and other German-speaking regions, further contributed to the linguistic shift. For instance, the Canadian English-speaking population was cautious about those with different cultural backgrounds and customs, which discouraged the continued use of German.

Conclusion: A Complex Historical Legacy

The complex historical legacy of German in America is a result of a combination of linguistic policies, public perception, and the practical demands of societal integration. The fact that German ancestry remains a significant part of many Americans' family histories does not necessarily translate into passive knowledge or ability to speak the language. This is a common phenomenon in many multicultural societies where a shared ancestry can coexist with language shifts over generations.

Understanding the reasons behind these linguistic shifts can offer valuable insights into the dynamics of cultural assimilation and the evolution of national identities. It showcases how historical events and social policies shape cultural practices and identities over time.

Keywords: German ancestry, English language, World War II, White Americans, Language assimilation