High German

Definitions

1. A native or inhabitant of the southern highlands of Germany; a High German speaker.
   countable
2. Any of a group of West Germanic languages or dialects spoken in the southern highlands of Germany.
   countable, uncountable
3. The standard variety of High German as spoken and written throughout the German language area.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“There is a widespread reluctance to speak⟳ High German in German-speaking Switzerland, and many Swiss prefer⟳ to speak⟳ even bad French or English to people who do not speak⟳ Swiss dialect.”

“We, the students, also were supposed to speak⟳ High German, but, like⟳ our teachers, we did so with a fairly strong Swabian accent.”

“Many foreigners who learn⟳ to speak⟳ High German complain⟳ that Swiss people only reluctantly reply⟳ in High German. Apparently Swiss people generally don't like⟳ to speak⟳ High German. Why is that so? For the Swiss, High German is a foreign language.”

CEFR level