section_path: Geographical distribution/North America
section_name: North America
paragraph_text: North America
  
  In the United States, German is the fifth most spoken language in terms of native and second language speakers after English, Spanish, French, and Chinese (with figures for Cantonese and Mandarin combined), with over 1 million total speakers. In the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, German is the most common language spoken at home after English. As a legacy of significant German immigration to the country, German geographical names can be found throughout the Midwest region, such as New Ulm and Bismarck (North Dakota's state capital), plus many other regions.
  
  A number of German varieties have developed in the country and are still spoken today, such as Pennsylvania Dutch and Texas German.