Middle Low German is a development step of the Low German language ("Niederdeutsch"). It was in use in the northern part of Germany. It developed from Old Saxon, in the Middle Ages. The first records date from the 13th century. It was one of the languages the Hanseatic League used. It also influenced the Nordic languages, such as Swedish, which took loanwords from it. At that time, it was also used for treaties and diplomacy. One of the surviving testimonies is the Sachsenspiegel.
Middle Low German
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Middle Low German?
A: Middle Low German is a development step of the Low German language, in use in the northern part of Germany, which developed from Old Saxon in the Middle Ages.
Q: When were the first records of Middle Low German made?
A: The first records of Middle Low German date from the 13th century.
Q: Which league used Middle Low German as one of its languages?
A: The Hanseatic League used Middle Low German as one of its languages.
Q: How did Middle Low German influence Nordic languages?
A: Middle Low German influenced Nordic languages, such as Swedish, by contributing loanwords.
Q: In what areas besides trade and diplomacy was Middle Low German used?
A: Middle Low German was also used for treaties and diplomacy.
Q: What is an example of Middle Low German surviving testimony?
A: The Sachsenspiegel is an example of surviving testimony of Middle Low German.
Q: How did Middle Low German contribute to the development of Nordic languages?
A: Middle Low German contributed to the development of Nordic languages by providing them with loanwords.