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| History of German |
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| The German Language |
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Standard German is known today simply as "Hochdeutsch" (High German), and this is used almost always for written German. Books and newspapers are printed in standard German. "Hochdeutsch" is spoken by educated speakers everywhere. However, regional variants exist in the spoken language owing largely to the influence of the old dialects, although the dialects themselves are falling out of use.
"Hochdeutsch" in its purist form can be heard on the classical stage (known as "Bühnendeutsch"). A speaker of "Hochdeutsch" would be understood everywhere and this is used in the Linguaphone courses.
Traditionally German was written in a Gothic style known as Fraktur, which dates from the fourteenth century. However, from 1945 onwards, the Roman characters used throughout the rest of Europe superseded Fraktur.
Pronunciation of the German language is pleasingly simple. For example the word 'Pflug' (plough) may first look difficult to pronounce but try sounding every letter and your pronunciation would be correct.
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| And Finally... |
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You know of course what a "Hamburger" is but what would you say if you were offered a "Berliner"? The right answer would be; "Vielen Dank. Ja, bitte" (- Thank you. Yes, please) - provided you like doughnuts!
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| Did you know? |
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There are no "primitive" languages. All languages have a system of sounds, words and sentences that can adequately communicate the content of culture. |
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