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Luther and a Language for All Germans

Neil MacGregor focuses on the things that bind Germans together, beginning with the story of how Luther created the modern German language by translating the Bible.

Neil MacGregor continues his series with a week of programmes with a focus on the things which bind Germans together - ranging from the importance of the great German writer Goethe, and the significance of the Grimm brothers' fairy tales, to the long-standing history of German beer and sausages.

He begins with the story of how Martin Luther created the modern German language, through his translation of the Bible.

Luther is often, in German history, seen as the Great Divider. His attacks on his opponents were pitiless, not least his writings against the Jews. But he is also, unquestionably, a great Uniter - almost single-handedly he created the modern German language which, in the centuries that followed, proved a unifying force during times of destruction and disintegration.

Producer Paul Kobrak.

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15 minutes

Portrait of Martin Luther

Portrait of Martin Luther
Martin Luther (1483-1546). Portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), 1529. Oil on wood.

Β© Deutsches Historisches Museum

Portrait of Martin Luther's wife

Portrait of Martin Luther's wife
Katharina von Bora.

Β© Deutsches Historisches Museum

The Luther Bible

The Luther Bible
This is a 1541 edition of the Bible. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it isΒ in GermanΒ rather thanΒ Latin. It was translated byΒ MartinΒ Luther.

Β© The British Library Board C.9.d.3, 4v-5

Broadcasts

  • Mon 6 Oct 2014 09:45
  • Mon 6 Oct 2014 19:45
  • Tue 7 Oct 2014 00:30

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