British composer like Brahms or Wagner, say? (6)

I believe the answer is:

german

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'british composer' is the definition.
'german' can be an answer for 'composer' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'british' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for german that I've seen before include "Proper name for 2" , "Alsatian" , "Goethe's language" , "Middle European, for example" , "Composer, English? Yes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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