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The modern Germans derive from a whole mix of tribes, mostly western Germanic tribes. The Germanic languages were once a part of a subunit of the Indo-European languages, out of which eventually came the Germanic, Slavic and Baltic language families. Current thought has it that this group originated somewhat southwest of modern Lithuania, in old eastern Poland (modern Belarus/Russia). The Germanic peoples eventually split into two larger groups, the eastern and western, both of which contributed immensely to the so-called Germanic invasions of the late Roman era. The eastern Germanic peoples have since disappeared, either by destruction, or assimilation.

Modern Germany derives from many different Germanic tribes from Scandinavia, eastern Europe, and etc. As well, ancient Germania had many non-Germanic peoples - Celts, Slavs, and other peoples like the fabled Wends about whom we know almost nothing. If we include old Prussia, then Balts and Finns must also be included. In other words, like every modern European society, Germany's ethnic origins are very eclectic.

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13y ago

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