The Sinte Romani people of Central Europe were traditionally known as gypsies, but today only a small percentage of the group remains unsettled. In earlier times, they frequently lived on the outskirts of communities.

They speak the Sinti-Manouche variety of Romani, which exhibits strong German influence.

Between 1933 and 1945, Sinte Romani suffered greatly as victims of Nazi persecution. Building on long-held prejudices, the Nazi regime viewed Gypsies both as "asocials" (outside "normal" society) and as racial "inferiors" believed to threaten the biological purity and strength of the "superior Aryan" race.

They often adopt the predominant religion of the country where they are living.