Proto-Germanic:
* Around 500 AD: The earliest known ancestor of German is Proto-Germanic, a language spoken by Germanic tribes migrating across Europe.
* Old Germanic: Proto-Germanic evolved into various dialects, eventually giving rise to Old Germanic languages, including Old English, Old Frisian, and Old High German.
Old High German (750-1050 AD):
* Regional dialects: Old High German emerged in the 8th century AD, characterized by significant regional differences.
* High German consonant shift: A major linguistic change known as the High German consonant shift occurred during this period, transforming certain consonants (like "p" to "pf" and "t" to "z") and setting the stage for modern German.
* Literary language: Old High German was used in written texts, primarily religious works and legal documents.
Middle High German (1050-1500 AD):
* Literary flourishing: Middle High German experienced a significant literary flourishing, with famous works like the "Nibelungenlied" being written in this period.
* Standardization: While regional dialects persisted, some standardization occurred, paving the way for a more unified language.
Early New High German (1500-1800 AD):
* Luther's Bible: The translation of the Bible into German by Martin Luther in the 16th century was instrumental in standardizing the language.
* Development of a literary standard: Luther's work, coupled with other influences, contributed to the development of a more uniform written and spoken standard.
Modern German (1800-present):
* Continued standardization: The 19th and 20th centuries saw further efforts to standardize German, including the establishment of dictionaries and grammar rules.
* Regional varieties: While there's a standard German, significant regional dialects remain, especially in southern Germany.
Key Points:
* German evolved from Proto-Germanic, through Old High German, Middle High German, and finally to Modern German.
* The High German consonant shift played a crucial role in shaping the language.
* The translation of the Bible by Martin Luther was pivotal in standardizing German.
* Despite standardization, regional dialects continue to exist.
Understanding this historical journey helps us appreciate the complexity and richness of the German language.