The Germanic Family: Austrians, Danes, And Germans

People from Germany, Denmark, and Austria are called Germans, Danes, and Austrians, respectively. While Austrians and Danes are distinct nationalities native to Austria and Denmark, the term Germans can be used more broadly to refer to any people of German descent or native speakers of the German language. Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such, but today, the vast majority of Austrians do not identify as German.

German people are called 'Germans'

The English term "Germans" is derived from the ethonym "Germani", which was used for Germanic peoples in ancient times. The modern German endonym "Deutsche" is derived from the Old High German term "diutisc", which means "ethnic" or "relating to the people". The German word "Deutschland" has its roots in the Old High German word "diot", meaning "people", and the connected adjective "diutisc", which means "of the people". Therefore, "Deutschland" means "people's land" or "land of the people".

The English word "Germany" is derived from the Latin "Germania", which was used by Roman authors to refer to a large group of tribes in northeastern Gaul. The earliest use of this term was found in the writings of Julius Caesar. The Germanic peoples were tribal groups who lived in Northern Europe in Classical Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.

The history of Germans as an ethnic group began with the separation of a distinct Kingdom of Germany from the eastern part of the Frankish Empire under the Ottonian dynasty in the 10th century, forming the core of the Holy Roman Empire. In subsequent centuries, the political power and population of this empire grew considerably. It expanded eastward, and eventually, a substantial number of Germans migrated further eastward into Eastern Europe.

Today, the German language is widely seen as the primary, though not exclusive, criterion of German identity. The German constitution, implemented in 1949 following World War II, defines a German as a German citizen. Estimates on the total number of Germans in the world range from 100 to 150 million, most of whom live in Germany. There are also sizable populations of Germans in Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, France, and other countries.

German people are called Germans.

Danish people are called 'Danes'

Danish people are called Danes. The Danes were a North Germanic tribe who inhabited southern Scandinavia, including the area now comprising Denmark proper, northern and eastern England, and the Scanian provinces of modern-day southern Sweden. They are believed to have founded what became the Kingdom of Denmark. The name of their realm is thought to mean "Danish March", or "the march of the Danes", in Old Norse, referring to their southern border zone between the Eider and Schlei rivers, known as the Danevirke.

The origin of the Danes remains undetermined, but several ancient historical documents and texts refer to them, and archaeology has revealed and continues to reveal insights into their culture, beliefs, and way of life. The Danes first appear in written history in the 6th century, with references in Jordanes' Getica (551 AD), by Procopius, and by Gregory of Tours. In his description of Scandza, Jordanes says that the Dani were of the same stock as the Suetidi ("Swedes") and expelled the Heruli and took their lands.

The Old English poems Widsith and Beowulf, as well as works by later Scandinavian writers (notably by Saxo Grammaticus (c. 1200)), provide some of the original written references to the Danes. According to the 12th-century author Sven Aggesen, the mythical King Dan gave his name to the Danes.

The Danes spoke Proto-Norse, which gradually evolved into the Old Norse language by the beginning of the Viking Age. They shared this language with the people in Norway, Sweden, and later in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Like other Scandinavian peoples of the time, the Danes used runes for writing, but they do not appear to have written much, as they have left no literary legacy except for occasional rune stones and carvings in wood, as well as various items like weapons, utensils, and jewellery.

The Danes were practitioners of the Norse religion. Around 500 AD, many of the gods of the Norse pantheon had lost their previous significance, except for a few such as Thor, Odin, and Frey, whose worship became increasingly prominent. During the 10th century of the late Viking Age, the Danes officially adopted Christianity, as evidenced by several rune stones, documents, and church buildings. The new Christian influences also began to appear in their art, jewellery, and burial practices, but the transition was not rapid and older customs from the Norse religion continued to be practised to varying degrees.

In summary, Danish people are called Danes, and they have a long history as a North Germanic tribe with a rich cultural and linguistic heritage.

Austrian people are called 'Austrians'

Austrian people are called Austrians. The term Austrian was applied to the population of Habsburg Austria from the 17th or 18th century. Subsequently, during the 19th century, it referred to the citizens of the Empire of Austria (1804–1867).

Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such. The Austrian lands (including Bohemia) were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 which resulted in Prussia expelling the Austrian Empire from the Confederation. Thus, when Germany was founded as a nation-state in 1871, Austria was not a part of it.

The English word Austrian is a derivative of the proper name Austria, which is a latinization of Österreich, the German name for Austria. Austrian German (Österreichisches Deutsch), Austrian Standard German (ASG), Standard Austrian German (Österreichisches Standarddeutsch), Austrian High German (Österreichisches Hochdeutsch), or simply Austrian (Österreichisch), is the variety of Standard German written and spoken in Austria and South Tyrol. It has the highest sociolinguistic prestige locally, as it is the variation used in the media and for other formal situations. In less formal situations, Austrians use Bavarian and Alemannic dialects, which are traditionally spoken but rarely written in Austria.

The unification of the various territories of Austria outside of the March of Austria proper (i.e. parts of Bavaria, Swabia, and Carinthia) was a gradual process of feudal politics during the High and Late Middle Ages. The various populations of these territories were not unified under the single name of "Austrians" before the early modern period.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe, both the political ideology of pan-Germanism and the union with Germany have become associated with Nazism, resulting in Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity. Today, the vast majority of Austrians do not identify as German.

Austrians were historically considered German

When Germany was founded as a nation-state in 1871, Austria was not a part of it. In 1867, Austria was reformed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Austrian identity was put to a severe test in 1871 when a unified German nation-state was founded in the form of the German Reich, without the Austrian Germans. The Austrian Germans were a special case in the overall context of German rise to nationhood. They were pulled in two directions by their regional identity and their feeling of attachment to the 'German nation' as a whole. They also saw themselves as the 'people of the state' and upholders of the idea of the Habsburg Monarchy.

The Austrian identity was further complicated by the successful emancipation and self-confident political representation of the other nationalities of the multi-ethnic Monarchy, which the German-Austrians perceived as a threat. This led to a strengthening of German nationalism and a weakening of Habsburg-Austrian patriotism. The change of identity from Austrian to German often took place very rapidly and was experienced as a personal conversion.

The idea of uniting all ethnic Germans into one nation-state was challenged in Austria by the rise of Austrian nationalism, especially within the Christian Social Party, which identified Austrians based on their predominantly Catholic religious identity, as opposed to the predominantly Protestant religious identity of the Prussians.

Otto von Bismarck's policies, which excluded Austria from Germany, created a dilemma for many Austrians about their identity. The state as a whole tried to develop a distinctively Austrian identity. The Austro-Hungarian Empire created ethnic conflict between German Austrians and the other ethnic groups of the empire. Many pan-German movements in the empire desired the reinforcement of an ethnic German identity and the collapse of the empire to allow for a quick annexation of Austria to Germany.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe, the political ideology of pan-Germanism and the union with Germany became associated with Nazism, resulting in Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity. Today, the vast majority of Austrians do not identify as German.

Danish identity is based on the concept of 'Danishness'

Danish identity, or "Danishness", is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time and is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. At its core, Danishness can be understood as the belief that the Danish way is the right way, and it is a source of pride and patriotism for many Danes.

The idea of Danishness first emerged in the 1800s when Denmark was a much bigger empire, encompassing not only its current territory but also Norway, several overseas territories, and parts of modern-day Germany. During this period, the works of philosopher Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, with his emphasis on patriotism and egalitarianism, helped shape the notion of Danishness. As Denmark's empire began to shrink in the 19th century, losing territories to Prussia and overseas possessions, the concept of Danishness became even more pronounced as a way to defend and maintain a sense of homogeneity among the Danish people.

Today, Danishness encompasses a range of cultural, social, and political elements. Language plays a crucial role, with the Danish language being a source of national pride and a defining feature of Danish identity. Denmark's famous concept of "hygge", which permeates daily life and emphasizes comfort, coziness, and social connections, is also integral to Danishness. Additionally, Danes place a high value on religious and political freedom, egalitarianism, and the welfare state, which are seen as essential aspects of their national identity.

The concept of Danishness is not without its complexities and criticisms. Some have questioned the idea of a single, homogeneous Danish identity, especially in light of the country's increasing diversity due to immigration and refugee populations in recent decades. The notion of Danishness has also faced scrutiny for its perceived insularity and resistance to change, with Danes often expressing the belief that "the Danish way is the right way". Despite these criticisms, Danishness remains a powerful force in shaping Denmark's national identity and sense of community.

In conclusion, Danish identity is based on the concept of Danishness, which encompasses a set of shared values, traditions, and beliefs that are unique to the country. While Danishness has evolved over time, it continues to be a source of pride and unity for Danes, shaping their interactions with each other and the world at large.

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