Old English vs. Modern German

The spelling for sounds vary according to the language, for example the

spelling for the sound varies on one letter /sc/ in old English to /sch/ in

modern German

•Old English: /sc/ •Modern German: /sch/

Affirmative and negative answers vary in spelling and pronunciation, however

the negative answer from Modern German may remain some features from the old English period spelling

• Old English: Giese (yes) and nese (no)• Modern German: Ja (yes) and nein(no)

The Word in German tend to duplicate some letters at their structures as it

happens with the letters “l” and “m”. In addition; vowels change from one language to another. In old English

second vowel sound was /u/ while in Modern German it is /o/. Furthermore; consonants vary between languages

from “c” in old English to “k” in German

• Old English: wilcume (welcome)• Modern German: willkommen (welcome)

Sentences organization also vary among the two languages. In old English, a sentence used to be

organize like this: adj + subject+ verb; while in modern German

sentence’ organization follow the next pattern: subject+ verb+

complement

• Old English: Wel u writst (you write well)• Modern German: Ich bin aus C.R (I’m from

C.R)

There is a difference on spelling among the two languages, besides calligraphy have change from old English to modern German. For

instance; the omission of the letter “h” in old English and its inclusion in

modern German. Also the calligraphy in the pronoun “you” vary.

• Old English: Ic (I) and u (you)• Modern German: Ich (I) and du (you)

Sound changes are evident at the two languages; from bilabial-stop sounds (/p/) at the beginning of words (old English), to alveolar –stops sounds

(/d/)at the beginning of words.

• Old English: pancas (thank you)• Modern German: Danke (thank

you)

Final verb form of the verb “to be” have change, since at old English there

is not a final “t” of it. In contrast; in modern German there it is.

• Old English: is (verb to be)• Modern German: ist (verb to be)

Possessive forms have change on spelling. For example min (old English) to meine (Modern German), however;

pronunciation remains similar.

• Old English: min (my)• Modern German: meine (my)

Vowels spelling have change among languages, whereas old English spelled the word brother, by using “o” . At the German word there are two different vowels on its spelling. First; “u” at the first syllable, then “e” at the second

syllable.

• Old English: bro(brother)• Modern German: bruder (brother)

Vowels lengths spelling vary, while in old English the “i” letter express vowel length in old English. In contrast, the German language, symbolize vowel

length with addition of the letter “e”.

• Old English: writst(write)• Modern German: mitspielen (play

with you)

Bibliography

• Old English phrases and words studied during the course.

• Words and phrases provided by a German Speaker (Ben), during the

class on October 28th, 2009 .