To sign 'German' or 'Germany', start by forming an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand. Extend your index finger straight up and your thumb out to the side. Bring your hand up to your lower forehead, placing the side of your thumb or the base of your index finger lightly against your skin. Your index finger should be pointing directly upward. This sign is iconic and visually represents the spike on a traditional historical German military helmet.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', use the sign for 'LEARN' by pulling knowledge from your non-dominant palm to your forehead, and finish with the 'L' handshape on your forehead for 'GERMAN'.
Sign 'MY' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'FRIEND' by hooking your index fingers together. Sign 'FROM', and end with the 'GERMAN' sign on your forehead.
Point to the person for 'YOU', use the 'SPEAK' sign near your mouth, and sign 'GERMAN'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', use the sign for 'LEARN' by pulling knowledge from your non-dominant palm to your forehead, and finish with the 'L' handshape on your forehead for 'GERMAN'.
Sign 'MY' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'FRIEND' by hooking your index fingers together. Sign 'FROM', and end with the 'GERMAN' sign on your forehead.
Point to the person for 'YOU', use the 'SPEAK' sign near your mouth, and sign 'GERMAN'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
Yes! In American Sign Language, the same sign is used to mean the country of Germany, the German language, and a person of German nationality. The specific meaning is understood based on the context of your sentence.
You should lightly rest the side of your thumb or the base of your index finger against your lower forehead. This acts as an anchor, allowing your index finger to point straight up clearly and comfortably.
You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like 'German'. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left. Consistency with your dominant hand helps keep your signing clear.
