German
Modern Standard German is based on High German varieties, which are not affected by the shift, but contains some words from North German dialects that do reflect it. So for example, alongside sanft German also has sacht, both meaning "soft", "gentle".
Read more about this topic: Ingvaeonic Nasal Spirant Law
Famous quotes containing the word german:
“The German intellect wants the French sprightliness, the fine practical understanding of the English, and the American adventure; but it has a certain probity, which never rests in a superficial performance, but asks steadily, To what end? A German public asks for a controlling sincerity.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The French courage proceeds from vanity—the German from phlegm—the Turkish from fanaticism & opium—the Spanish from pride—the English from coolness—the Dutch from obstinacy—the Russian from insensibility—but the Italian from anger.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“The German mind, may it live! Almost invisible as a mind, it finally manifests itself assertively as a conviction.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)