The extent of the German empire and its influence in the of the 19th centuries through the end of the First World War can be seen in surviving remnants of German speaking throughout Europe. The extent of German throughout Europe is also linked to the fact that it was the language of commerce and government in the Hapsburg Empire. Among other territory, the Hapsburg Empire encompassed present day parts of Romania, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. German communities can even be found in Russia, and as far as Kazakhstan.
Even in Africa, home to various former German colonies, present day Namibia maintains German speaking population.
German-speaking communities are found throughout all of Europe and in significant numbers especially in the United States and in Latin America.
The international reach of the German language can also be seen in the various dialects that are derived from German. For example, in Luxembourg and in neighboring areas significant portions of the population speak German dialects.
Of all countries where German dialects are spoken, the United States has the largest population of German speakers outside of Europe. The extent of German influence can be seen in part by the existence of a number of towns bearing German names. Examples of this include, New Leipzig, Munich, and Strasburg in the state of North Dakota as well as New Braunfels in the state of Texas.
Other communities retaining German dialects include those of a religious nature. Pennsylvania is home to Amish, Hutterites, Dunkards, and Mennonites. Kansas is also home to Mennonites and Volage Germans. Other states with historic German communities include South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, as well as Illinois and New York. German courses London