How did Martin Luther’s Bible translation influence Standard German?

Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible (1522–34) was a vital force in the creation of a standard German language, helping to unify a culture that was previously defined by regionalism and a collection of local dialects.1

Luther based his translation on the East Middle German dialect used in the chancelleries of Saxony. Because his work was widely read and successful, it served as a landmark in German prose literature and provided a foundation for the development of modern Standard German. The growth of this standardized form was further supported by printers, who sought to make their books appealing to the widest possible audience by utilizing the language of Luther’s Bible.23

While Standard German is based on the dialect Luther employed, it is not identical to it; the language evolved by incorporating and standardizing various forms from other regions over time. Ultimately, Luther’s work set a precedent that made the Bible accessible in the vernacular and contributed significantly to the emergence of a national language.245