* Influence: Latin grammar has definitely influenced German grammar, but not directly. The influence came through the development of the German language itself.
* Early Stages: Old High German (around 750-1050 AD) was a highly inflected language, much like Latin. This meant that words changed form significantly depending on their role in a sentence.
* Latin Influence: When German was being standardized in the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of scholarship, law, and the Church. As such, it served as a model for language standardization and influenced the way German grammar was codified. This influence is most visible in:
* Word Order: The rigid word order of Latin influenced German's stricter rules on word placement in sentences, especially in formal writing.
* Case System: Although German retains a complex case system, Latin's influence led to a simplification of the system compared to Old High German.
* Vocabulary: Many Latin words and terms entered the German lexicon, enriching the language.
However:
* Unique Features: German grammar also developed its own unique features, not directly influenced by Latin. These include:
* Compounding: German's extensive use of compound words, creating long and complex words.
* Verb Second Order: The typical word order in German main clauses, where the verb is placed in the second position.
* Modal Verbs: The extensive system of modal verbs, which express nuances of possibility, necessity, etc.
Conclusion:
While Latin grammar has definitely influenced German grammar, it's not the sole determining factor. German grammar developed independently and has its own unique characteristics. The influence of Latin should be viewed as part of a complex historical and linguistic development.