'German' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Germanus', where 'germ-' meant 'spear' and '-anus' was a suffix indicating belonging.

'Germanus' transformed into the Old High German word 'diutisc', and eventually became the modern English word 'German' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a person of the Germanic tribes', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person from Germany'.