The history and development of German language

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive exploration of the history and evolution of the German language, spanning from its early roots in the High German consonant shift to the complexities of Middle High German and the establishment of Modern German. It delves into linguistic shifts, periods, and the emergence of standardized written forms. The author highlights the diverse influences on German, from the Holy Roman Empire’s divisions to Luther’s Bible translation during the Early New High German period. The discussion extends to dialects, orthographic rules, and concerns about language simplification in contemporary times. While Mark Twain’s call for radical simplification is mentioned, and opinions on the perceived deterioration of German, particularly in online communication, are presented. The conclusion underscores the dynamic nature of language evolution, rejecting alarmist views and emphasizing the importance of German in global business, given Germany’s economic significance.