Old High German

Old High German (OHG, German: Althochdeutsch, German abbr. Ahd.) is the earliest stage of the German language, conventionally covering the period from around 500 to 1050 CE. Coherent written texts do not appear until the second half of the 8th century, and some treat the period before 750 as "prehistoric" and date the start of Old High German proper to 750 for this reason. There are, however, a number of Elder Futhark inscriptions dating to the 6th century (notably the Pforzen buckle), as well as single words and many names found in Latin texts predating the 8th century.

Read more about Old High German:  Characteristics, Dialects, Phonology, History, Texts, Samples

Famous quotes containing the words high and/or german:

    What generous beliefs console
    The brave whom Fate denies the goal!
    If others reach it, is content:
    To Heaven’s high will his will is bent.
    Firm on his heart relied,
    What lot soe’er betide,
    Work of his hand
    He nor repents nor grieves,
    Pleads for itself the fact,
    As unrepenting Nature leaves
    Her every act.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    Some of us prefer Austrian voices risen in song to ugly German threats.
    Ernest Lehman (b. 1920)