Own alphabet system
Hangeul looks like a character script, but consists of letters arranged in blocks of syllables.
Korean language
Have Korean translated
한국어
For Korean documents, origin, name order, romanization, and possible use of Chinese characters are important checkpoints.
Korean is spoken by approximately 80 million people on the Korean Peninsula and in communities worldwide.
Geographical distribution of Korean
- Main distribution
- Other regional use
- Selected Diaspora
South Korea
North Korea
China
Japan
United States
Schematic selection of important distribution areas. Language usage does not always follow national borders; the map is not complete population statistics.
Language profile
Korean at a glance
- Proper name
- 한국어
- language family
- Korean language
- font
- Hangeul; in older contexts sometimes Chinese characters
- Language code
- ko
Documents and deployment
The language direction is often used
It's not just the language that matters. ABBA-Sprachendienste also classifies document type, recipient, subject area, certification requirement and desired language direction.
Have the document checked- Birth and family registration documents
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Company and commercial documents
- Certificates
- Contracts and powers of attorney
Origin and development
How language developed
Korean forms the Korean language group. For many centuries, writing was primarily done with Chinese characters. In the 15th century, the independent alphabet Hangeul was created under King Sejong.
Hangeul arranges letters into blocks of syllables and is the central script today. North and South Korea differ in terms of vocabulary, spelling and official terminology.
Good to know
What makes this language special
Several novelizations
Korean names can be written using different transcription systems. The officially used form takes precedence.
Classify origin
North and South Korean documents differ in terms, forms and institutions.
A little language insight
Three first expressions
The transcription only serves as an initial guide. Pronunciation and regional forms may vary.
| Original | Transcription | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Good afternoon |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you |
| 부탁드립니다 | butakdeurimnida | I ask for it |
Sources and classification
Further information
Speaker numbers are rounded guide values and may vary depending on the definition, year of survey and inclusion of second language speakers.
- Korean language
Wikipedia · language-specific overview
- Codes for the Representation of Names of Languages
Library of Congress / ISO 639-2 Registration Authority · Language codes and standardized language names
- Language and Locale Names
Unicode Common Locale Data Repository · Language, script and area names and variants
- Glottolog 5.3
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology · Language families, classification and linguistic literature
Editorial source status: July 14, 2026. Information will be cross-checked before production goes live.
Korean FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Korean
Can I have Korean translated into German and German translated into Korean?
Both directions can be requested. A binding commitment is made after checking the type of document, subject area, certification, date and intended use.
Which documents are often relevant when speaking Korean?
Birth and family registration documents, diplomas and transcripts, company and commercial documents, and certificates are among the typical occasions. Other types of documents can also be checked with an easy-to-read photo or PDF.
What does ABBA-Sprachendienste look for in Korean?
Language direction, document type, Hangeul are checked; in older contexts sometimes Chinese characters, names, stamps, subject area, intended use and a possible need for authentication.
Do I need a certified translation for my Korean document?
This is decided by the receiving authority, the court, the notary or the other requesting body. Tell ABBA-Sprachendienste where the document will be presented; then the need can be classified appropriately.
Is a photo enough for the first check?
Yes. A complete, sharp and easy-to-read photo or PDF is usually sufficient to check the offer. Depending on the order, the original may also be required for later execution.
Have Korean ↔ German checked specifically
Send an easy-to-read photo or PDF. ABBA-Sprachendienste personally checks the language direction, document, purpose and certification requirements.
