Sample Text
From the prologue of Hartmann von Aue's Iwein (circa 1200; c.f. MS B (Giessen), mid 13th c.)
5 10 15 20 |
Swer an rehte güete |
Whoever to true goodness |
This text shows many typical features of Middle High German poetic language. Most Middle High German words survive into modern German in some form or other: this passage contains only one word (jehen 'say' 14) which has since disappeared from the language. But many words have changed their meaning substantially. Muot (6) means 'state of mind', where modern German Mut means courage. Êre (3) can be translated with 'honour', but is quite a different concept of honour from modern German Ehre; the medieval term focusses on reputation and the respect accorded to status in society.
From the beginning of Das Nibelungenlied:
Middle High German original | High (Modern) German translation | Shumway translation |
---|---|---|
Uns ist in alten mæren wunders vil geseit |
Uns wird in alten Erzählungen viel Wunderbares berichtet, |
Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, |
Read more about this topic: Middle High German
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