Duits

/dœɪ̯ts/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of Germany, the German language, or German people; German.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch 'duits,' derived from Old High German 'theodisk' (of the people, vernacular), contrasting with Latin 'lingua romana.' This is the same root that gave us the modern word 'Deutsch' (German).

Kelly Says

The word 'theodisk' originally meant 'vernacular' versus 'Latin'—so when people said 'duits,' they literally meant 'the people's language' rather than the fancy church language.

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