In a time when the German tongue sought its true measure amidst a confluence of foreign influences, a monumental endeavor arose, a vast treasury of words and their intricate lineage. It sought to lay bare the very roots and flourishing growth of the German language, offering a meticulous accounting of every known and currently used German root and stem word. This was no mere compilation, but an ardent quest to trace the inherent strength and unique character of the Teutonic speech.
This grand undertaking, published in the year 1691, presented itself as a comprehensive lexicon, a "Teutscher Sprachschatz," or German Language Treasure. It diligently recorded not only the words themselves but also their origins, their derivations, their duplications, and their most significant forms of expression. Each entry was thoughtfully accompanied by clear Latin translations, providing a bridge of understanding, alongside insightful and artfully reasoned annotations.
Beyond the expansive dictionary, this work also embraced the art of proper speech. It included a "Hochteutsche Letterkunst," a concise yet profound instruction in High German grammar. This section served as a guide for both the teacher and the student, a necessary and beneficial tool for mastering the intricacies of both German and Latin. It was a testament to the belief that true command of one's native tongue was paramount.
The spirit behind this arduous collection was one of deep national pride and a desire to preserve the purity and richness of German. It emerged from an era where scholars and poets, often members of learned societies like the "Fruchtbringende Gesellschaft" (Fruitbearing Society), dedicated themselves to cultivating and refining the German language, sometimes under pseudonyms such as "Der Spate" – "the late one" – perhaps hinting at the long years of dedication required for such a task.
One might imagine the diligent hands that gathered these countless words over many years, observing their varied forms and uses across different regions and contexts. The intent was to capture the vibrant diversity of German varieties, to illustrate that its "Stammbaum und Fortwachs" – its family tree and continued growth – was robust and deeply rooted, capable of standing proudly alongside any other language.
Thus, this sprawling work stands as a testament to a foundational effort in German lexicography. It aimed to provide a definitive record of the language as it was spoken and understood in its time, offering a structured understanding of its vocabulary and a guide to its proper application. It was an invitation to delve into the very essence of German, to comprehend its past, appreciate its present, and ensure its future vitality.
