Is Hungary a Small German-speaking Country Between Austria and Switzerland?
Clarification on Country Borders
Austria is a small German-speaking country, but it is not between Hungary and Switzerland. Instead, Hungary lies just to the East of Austria and borders several other countries. It has well-defined borders: Slovakia to the North, Ukraine to the Northeast, Romania to the Southeast, Serbia to the South, and Croatia to the Southwest (with Slovenia in the west). Slovenia is also the home of former US First Lady Melania Trump. Geographically, if you fit a map of Hungary, you might compare it to fitting the state of North Dakota in the US with about 60 miles spare on top.
Understanding Hungarian Language and Culture
Interrupting the misconception, Hungary is a Magyar-speaking country, with Magyar being its own unique language, distinct from Slavic, Germanic, or other neighboring languages. While German and other languages may have official status in Hungary, the mother tongue of Hungarians is Hungarian. However, this does not diminish the importance of other communities in the country, especially the German-speaking minority, which forms a significant part of Hungary's cultural mosaic.
German-speaking Minorities in Hungary
Hungarian Germans, also known as the descendants of Danube Swabians, arrived in the Carpathian Basin and surrounding regions, mainly between the 17th and 18th centuries. They are now minorities in their original areas and have dispersively settled across the country. By the end of the 18th century, over one million German-speaking residents lived in the Kingdom of Hungary. A strong German-speaking culture existed, which contributed significantly to Hungary's industrial community and education.
The largest influx of German-speaking immigrants was a result of a deliberate settlement policy of the Habsburg government after the Ottomans were driven out of Hungary. This process resulted in the formation of communities in regions such as Tolna, Baranya, and Somogy, now known as "Swabian Turkey." These regions saw the establishment of German-speaking culture and vibrant economic development. However, from the 19th century onward, a dominant Hungarian nationalist movement sought to assimilate German-speaking citizens into the Hungarian nation, minimizing the distinct German identity and cultural aspects.
The Impact of World War II and Post-War Changes
The narrative shifted significantly during World War II, as many German-speaking Hungarians served in military units under the Third Reich, fighting for Germany's war efforts. Following World War II, the German-speaking community faced retribution from the Soviet Union, and an ethnic cleansing process was initiated. The impact of these events led to significant migration, with many German-speaking Hungarians, numbering about 131,951, moving to Germany or Austria, or other countries like Australia, Brazil, the United States, and Canada.
Despite these changes, substantial German-speaking communities remained in Hungary, with an estimated higher number of individuals having German ancestry, ranging from 500,000 to 1 million. Today, the German language still has a significant presence in Hungary, with over 5% of the population being able to speak German fluently. This underscores the enduring influence of German culture and language on Hungary’s history and demographics.
Conclusion
Hungary is a culturally diverse nation where many languages coexist, and German is not a dominant language as one might mistakenly think. It remains a vibrant and enriching part of Hungary's national tapestry, with a long and complex history. Understanding the dynamics of language, culture, and migration provides a deeper insight into the rich cultural landscape of Romania.