Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-Germanic Languages
Quick Summary
The Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-Germanic Languages is a monumental work by Karl Brugmann and Berthold Delbrück. It is considered a foundational text in comparative Indo-European linguistics. The work systematically analyzes the sounds and grammar of various Indo-European languages, aiming to reconstruct their common ancestor, Proto-Indo-European.1234
Brugmann focused on the sounds and forms of the languages, while Delbrück contributed the volumes on syntax. The study adheres to the Neogrammarian principle of the regularity of sound laws, asserting that sound changes occur consistently. This comprehensive grammar remains a highly authoritative resource for understanding the relationships and historical development of languages within the Indo-European family, which includes languages like English, German, Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit.12345
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Karl Brugmann
(1886–93; Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-Germanic Languages). The three volumes on syntax were prepared by Berthold Delbrück. A second, greatly enlarged edition was issued between 1897 and 1916. Not only has the Grundriss remained probably the most authoritative grammar ever written, but it…
Read More(1886–93; Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-Germanic Languages). The three volumes on syntax were prepared by Berthold Delbrück. A second, greatly enlarged edition was issued between 1897 and 1916. Not only has the Grundriss remained probably the most authoritative grammar ever written, but it…
Read More 
Berthold Delbrück…three volumes on syntax in Grundriss der vergleichenden Grammatik der indogermanischen Sprachen, 5 vol. (1886–93; Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-European Languages). This work, with two volumes on grammar contributed by Karl Brugmann, was enlarged between 1897 and 1916 by the latter alone.
Read More…three volumes on syntax in Grundriss der vergleichenden Grammatik der indogermanischen Sprachen, 5 vol. (1886–93; Outline of the Comparative Grammar of the Indo-European Languages). This work, with two volumes on grammar contributed by Karl Brugmann, was enlarged between 1897 and 1916 by the latter alone.
Read More