|
Low German (used all regions north
of Benrath line)
did not take part in the second vowel change in 7th and 8th
century A.D. The second vowel change affected esp.
German consonants (plosives and occlusives) p, t and
k which were transformed to pf/f, ts/s and ch.
Low German often shares more characteristics with Dutch and
English.
Below you can find some examples:
| English |
to sit
|
to make
|
apple
|
water
|
ape
|
| German |
sitzen
|
machen
|
Apfel
|
Wasser
|
Affe
|
| Low German
(Platt) |
sitten
|
maken
|
Appel
|
Water
|
Aap
|
'I know that' in Dutch, German and Berlin dialect:
| Dutch |
Dat weet ik.
|
| German |
Das weiß ich.
|
Low German
(Berlin dialect) |
Det wet ik.
|
There is another isogloss in German usage,
even though it is by far less drastic than Benrath
line. It is known as Main line as it largely follows Main
river and often referred to as 'Weißwurst' equator.
(Weißwurst is a kind of sausage typical for Bavaria)
Between Main line and Benrath line Middle
German is used, south of Main line in Bavaria and Austria
High German is prevalent. Both usages (Middle and High
German) have taken part in the second vowel change and share
many characteristics.
High German as used in Bavaria and
Austria is very melodious and pleasant to the ear. There
are few grammar variations. Some vocabulary (culinary mostly)
is unique to Bavaria and Austria.
When Austria entered the European Union it was a
matter of national pride to insist on a unique Austrian language
being recognized by EU officials. The attempt failed as the
differences between standard German in Austria and the German
used in Germany south of Benrath line are largely neglectable.
The result of the ensuing discussion was a list of some 80
words, most of them referring to food, cooking ingredients
and plants.
The differences between the national standards of German are
often exaggerated.
Learn German in Germany's major cities: Bamberg
| Berlin
| Cologne
| Dresden
| Frankfurt
am Main | Freiburg
im Breisgau | Hamburg
| Heidelberg
| Leipzig
| Munich
| Münster
| Regensburg
| Stuttgart
Find out all details about how to learn German directly
where it is spoken!
Get your free brochure now!

|