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Which language dialect is traditionally spoken in Lower Saxony?

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Lower Saxony New Town Hall, Hannover, Ger.

The traditional language dialect spoken in Lower Saxony is Low German, also known as Plattdeutsch or Niederdeutsch.12

This dialect is deeply rooted in the region's history, having developed from Old Saxon, which was spoken by the Saxon tribes between the Rhine and Elbe rivers. While standard German serves as the official language for administration, education, and media, Plattdeutsch remains a significant part of the cultural identity for many residents. It is still commonly used in homes, particularly among rural and elderly populations, and continues to be featured in some regional literature, radio broadcasts, and educational programs.3214

Plattdeutsch is linguistically distinct from High German and shares closer historical ties with Dutch, Frisian, and English.12