Despite what many people believe this term referring to the type of language spoken in Germany, has nothing to do with class or scholarly attributes.
High German is a translation of Hochdeutsch. It refers to the languages that were spoken inland in the more mountainous regions. Low German or Plattdeutsch is connected with the northern, lowland areas. It is purely a geographical distinction.
Part of the confusion has arisen because Hochdeutsch was the dialect of the Hanover region. It assumed a similar status to Oxford English. The fact the Hochdeutsch is better than Plattdeutsch is a misconception that no amount of linguistic or historical argument has been able to erase.
On a linguistic level the high German has given rise to modern dialects like Bavarian and Yiddish whereas low German entered the languages of English, Flemish, Dutch and other lowland countries in the northern hemisphere.
High German is a translation of Hochdeutsch. It refers to the languages that were spoken inland in the more mountainous regions. Low German or Plattdeutsch is connected with the northern, lowland areas. It is purely a geographical distinction.
Part of the confusion has arisen because Hochdeutsch was the dialect of the Hanover region. It assumed a similar status to Oxford English. The fact the Hochdeutsch is better than Plattdeutsch is a misconception that no amount of linguistic or historical argument has been able to erase.
On a linguistic level the high German has given rise to modern dialects like Bavarian and Yiddish whereas low German entered the languages of English, Flemish, Dutch and other lowland countries in the northern hemisphere.
