Question - obviously :-P
What is meant by "Low German form/pet name" What does the 'low' mean?
Thanks :).
Replies
Daividh might explain this better, having lived in Germany...
...but it's my understanding that "Low German" refers to the dialect of German spoken in the north of Germany -- also called "niederdeutsch", literally meaning "low German" for the lowlands of the north.
-- Nanaea
...but it's my understanding that "Low German" refers to the dialect of German spoken in the north of Germany -- also called "niederdeutsch", literally meaning "low German" for the lowlands of the north.
-- Nanaea
The latest time I actually "lived" in Germany (as opposed to visiting) was around 1969-70. Satu is our Griot of Matters Germanic, and I'm no contender for that role. At this point in life, I'm lucky to be able to read a German menu.
One thing tho - I remember Low German as being called "Plattdeutsch" as opposed to "Niederdeutsch". "Platt" means "flat" or "level" and I've always assumed it was descriptive of the flat lowlands of northern Germany where originated.
-Da.
One thing tho - I remember Low German as being called "Plattdeutsch" as opposed to "Niederdeutsch". "Platt" means "flat" or "level" and I've always assumed it was descriptive of the flat lowlands of northern Germany where originated.
-Da.
Almost right, Nanaea!
Just - it isn't a German dialect but a language of its own which is very close to German and Dutch and Afrikaans (and even English and Danish and Frisian). Nowadays it's mostly spoken on the countryside or mixed up with High German which makes the north German dialect (in Hamburg that one is called "Missingsch").
Regards, Satu
Just - it isn't a German dialect but a language of its own which is very close to German and Dutch and Afrikaans (and even English and Danish and Frisian). Nowadays it's mostly spoken on the countryside or mixed up with High German which makes the north German dialect (in Hamburg that one is called "Missingsch").
Regards, Satu
I think it means Old german?