The History of Low German

• As the influence of the Hansa began to wane in the 16th and 17th centuries, so too did the official use of Low German in northern Europe

• • Growing political influence of southern and central Europe and emergence of Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible in 1534 favoured official use of High German
  • Low German did not recede without leaving its mark on neighbouring languages, however:
  • • Swedis h: Byxa ‘pants, trousers’ < Middle Low German ‘Buxe’
    • Icelandic: Edík ‘vinegar’ < Middle Low German ‘Etik’
    • Danish: betale ‘to pay’ < Middle Low German ‘betale(n)’