How do High German and Low German differ phonetically

High German and Low German differ phonetically mainly due to the High German consonant shift, a historical sound change that affected southern German dialects (High German) but not northern dialects (Low German).

Key phonetic differences include:

• The consonant [p] in Low German changed to [pf] or [f] in High German. For example, Low German “appel” vs. High German “apfel” (apple).
• The consonant [t] in Low German shifted to [s] or [ts] in High German. For example, Low German “dat” vs. High German “das” (that).
• The consonant [k] in Low German became the fricative [ch] in High German. For example, Low German “maken” vs. High German “machen” (to make/do).

Low German preserved older consonant pronunciations and often sounds closer to English or Dutch, while High German underwent more extensive consonant changes. This leads to some mutual unintelligibility and distinct sound profiles between the two. Additionally, Low German has features like a present progressive verb form and different past participle constructions that differ from High German grammar and phonetics. ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 6}

References

• What are the major differences between high and low …

• High German vs. Low German: Understand the Differences

• High German vs Low German: What’s the Difference?

• High German vs. Low German: Key differences explained

• From Plattdeutsch to Hochdeutsch: A guide to German …

• Everything You Wanted To Know About German Dialects

• Low German

• High German consonant shift

• Discovering the federal states - Dialects

• High German vs. Low German

• German dialects

• Low German: The Ultimate Guide For German Learners