Middle Low German

Middle Low German was a Low German dialect spoken from approximately 1100 to 1500. Low German, also known as Plattdeutsch, refers to the dialects spoken in the lowlands of northern Germany. These dialects are part of the West Germanic language group, which also includes English, Frisian, and Dutch.123

The primary distinction between High German and Low German lies in their sound systems, particularly their consonants. High German, spoken in the southern highlands, is the official written language of Germany. Low German, while still spoken in northern Germany, does not have a single modern literary standard. The Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading confederation, significantly influenced the development of Middle Low German.2