When expressive language (verbal and non-verbal) and receptive language (comprehension) are not developing properly, your child may have difficulty communicating and a possible disorder in both expressive and receptive language.

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Below are some signs of a possible language disorder and language delay that you may notice in your child.   Of course, I only expose some basic information here and a speech-language evaluation will be the best way to detect a language disorder or delay.  

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• Shows difficulties in explaining their wants and needs due to lack of vocabulary;

• He/she is two years old and speaks less than 50 words;

• Speaks single words or sentences with only two words;

• Makes grammatical errors when trying to explain something;

• Has difficulty sequencing ideas and putting them into a narrative; 

• Speaks only to certain people and in certain places; reluctant to communicate;

• Has difficulty understanding what you say;

• Has difficulties in social communication with his/her friends at school;

• Has difficulties in understanding social communication rules (e.g. taking turns to speak, good eye contact, body communication) 

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If your child shows any of the signs mentioned above, you can request a prescription from the pediatrician (Verordnung)  for speech therapy (Logopädische Behandlung).  

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Here in Germany we will call this condition as Sprachentwicklungsstörung (Language Developmental Disorder) or Sprachentwicklungsverzögerung (Language Delay).