History of German
German is a major West Germanic language with roots stretching back over 1,500 years, evolving through distinct historical stages that shaped its dialects and literary forms.
Old High German
Old High German was spoken roughly from 500 to 1050 AD, preserved mainly in religious and legal texts, and marks the earliest documented phase of German with significant sound shifts.
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Middle High German
Middle High German, used from about 1050 to 1350, became the language of courts, poetry, and chronicles, showing more regional variation and a richer literary tradition.
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Early New High German
Early New High German spans roughly 1350 to 1650, a period of standardization driven by the printing press, the Reformation, and influential writers, leading toward a more uniform written language.
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Modern German
Modern German begins around 1650 and continues to today, characterized by standardized grammar and vocabulary used in education, media, and international communication.
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Dialects
German dialects descend from these historical stages and remain vibrant in spoken forms, with major groups like Bavarian, Swabian, and Low German reflecting regional identity.
| German Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🌄 In den Bergen sprechen sie Bayerisch und fühlen sich zuhaus. | In the mountains they speak Bavarian and feel at home. | Southern dialect |
| 🌳 Im Schwarzwald hört man Schwäbisch in den Dörfern. | In the Black Forest one hears Swabian in the villages. | Southwestern dialect |
| 🏙️ In Berlin redet man Berlinerisch mit schnellem Ton. | In Berlin they speak Berlin dialect with a quick tone. | Northeastern dialect |
| 🚜 Auf dem Land plappert man Plattdeutsch beim Markt. | In the countryside, they chatter Low German at the market. | Northern dialect |
Standard German
Standard German (Hochdeutsch) emerged from dialect leveling and codification, becoming the norm for schooling, broadcasting, and official use across German-speaking countries.
Summary
German's history from Old High German through Middle High German and into the modern standard language reveals how social, cultural, and technological forces shaped its development and dialectal diversity.
Last updated: Mon Sep 15, 2025