The German language is traditionally divided into two major groups: High German (Hochdeutsch) and Low German (Niederdeutsch or Plattdeutsch). These terms do not reflect social or linguistic superiority but instead refer to geography. High German developed in the southern, mountainous regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while Low German originated in the flatlands of northern Germany and parts of the Netherlands. This division is not only geographical but also linguistic, as these two branches of German have distinct phonological, grammatical, and lexical features.
One of the most significant differences between High German and Low German is the High German consonant shift, a historical sound change that set the two apart. This shift, which took place between the 6th and 8th centuries, affected consonants such as p, t, and k*. __In High German, __p became pf or ff (as in appel → Apfel), t turned into ts or s (water → Wasser), and k shifted to ch (maken → machen). Low German did not undergo these changes, which is why it remains closer to Dutch and English in pronunciation.
During the Middle Ages, Low German was a dominant language in trade and administration, particularly through its role in the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of merchant cities across the North and Baltic Seas. Middle Low German functioned as a lingua franca from the Netherlands to Estonia, influencing Scandinavian languages and leaving traces in English. Words like ship and Schiff, or buy and buen, show clear connections between Low German and its neighboring tongues. However, after the decline of the Hanseatic League and the growing influence of High German in politics and literature, Low German gradually lost its prominence.
High German, meanwhile, gained influence through the standardization of the written language. The variety spoken in central Germany, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia, formed the basis of Early New High German, which later became the foundation for Modern Standard German. Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible in the 16th century played a key role in shaping this standardized form, making it accessible to speakers across different regions. As a result, High German dialects became the reference point for official use, education, and literature, while Low German was increasingly restricted to informal and regional settings.
Although Modern Standard German is based on High German dialects, Low German has left its mark, particularly in northern Germany. Many everyday words in northern varieties of Standard German originate from Low German, such as kieken (to look), plietsch (clever), and butterbrote (sandwiches, as opposed to the High German Butterbrote, which means slices of bread with butter). Even in pronunciation, speakers from northern Germany often retain features of Low German, such as softer consonants and different vowel qualities.
Despite its historical importance, Low German has declined significantly over the past centuries. Today, it is recognized as a regional language in Germany, but it is not officially used in education or administration. Efforts to preserve it include regional radio programs, cultural initiatives, and voluntary courses, but intergenerational transmission has weakened, leading to concerns about its long-term survival. Nonetheless, Low German is still spoken by older generations in rural areas and among Mennonite communities in North and South America, where it has taken on unique characteristics due to contact with Spanish, English, and other languages.