Here's a breakdown:
* Germanic: This is a broad category encompassing languages like English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Danish. Many words in these languages share common roots.
* Norse: This refers specifically to the Old Norse language spoken by the Vikings.
Here are some examples of words with Germanic or Norse origins:
Common to both Germanic and Norse:
* Blood: From the Proto-Germanic *blōd
* Bone: From the Proto-Germanic *bān
* Fire: From the Proto-Germanic *fīr
* Hand: From the Proto-Germanic *handu
* King: From the Proto-Germanic *kuningaz
* Sky: From the Proto-Germanic *skē
* Sun: From the Proto-Germanic *sunnō
* Wife: From the Proto-Germanic *wīf
Specifically Norse:
* Berserker: A fierce warrior
* Fjords: Narrow inlets of the sea
* Saga: A story or legend
* Skald: A poet or bard
* Thor: God of thunder
* Valkyrie: Female figures who choose who dies in battle
How to tell:
* Etymology: Look up the word's origin in a dictionary or online etymology resource.
* Similarities to other Germanic/Norse languages: If a word sounds similar in other Germanic or Norse languages, it's likely to have a common root.
Beyond words: Many concepts, traditions, and cultural practices in Western societies have their roots in Germanic and Norse cultures. This includes aspects of government, law, folklore, and even everyday customs.
Let me know if you want to explore any of these aspects further!