The entries are organized in the following way.
Headwords are listed alphabetically using an idealized orthography, but one which is as close to NHG practices as possible. It seems pointless to try and invent a completely new spelling system for a language as heterogeneous as Early Modern German, and which in any case becomes Modern German. I have assumed that the majority of users will either be familiar with Modern German, or will have ready access to Modern German dictionaries. Consequently, NHG spelling is used for the headwords, but the spellings of the sources are retained. Copious cross-references are intended to help users locate forms unfamiliar to modern readers. However, various compromises have been made.
The first is that the NHG practice of capitalization of nouns has not been followed. Capitalization is only used with proper nouns.
The second is that the frequent alternation between <b> and <p>, <d> and <t>, and <g> and <k> has been reflected in the listings and the modern distinction has been ignored when alphabetizing the lemmata, at least as far as initial letters are concerned. Users should however be alive to the problem that this practice becomes more difficult within the word, so that <geviert> is presently listed after <gespräch>. The compiler would welcome feedback from users on this point (info@germanstudies.org.uk).
The part of speech is indicated after the headword. Nouns are marked der, die or das according to their grammatical gender. Verbs are indicated v., and this designation is gradually being replaced by sv. (strong verb) and wv. (weak verb) as appropriate. Adjectives which cannot appear predicatively are listed with an "open" ending (e.g. letzt-). Otherwise, adjectives and copula particles are not differentiated and are all marked adj.
It is intended that additional grammatical information will eventually be given in brackets after the indication of the part of speech.
Meanings are introduced by a dash. At some point they will be numbered, but the data is at present insufficient to make this either practicable or useful. Users should note that they are -- especially at this stage in the development of the dictionary -- only an indication, as it is impossible to elucidate all possible nuances of meaning using contemporary lexicographical sources. The context will often provide the surest guide.
Citations then follow in chronological order. Any literary examples are listed at the end of each meaning. Please remember that the dictionary is not a finished product, but is evolving as data is added.
Some etymological and other information is given, but not yet in a systematic way. At present, entries are given to help users identify the etymon so that they can use the standard reference works.
This page was last updated on 16 October 2010. Send me a mail with comments, corrections, etc. to info@germanstudies.org.uk.