Dutch

Dutch is an English form corresponding to the German Deutsch (old Diuutisk, 'belonging to the people'), which by them is used specifically for German, and in a wider sense is applied to all things belonging to the Teutonic (q.v.) stock (Teutones is from the same root), whether High German (Hochdeutsch) or Low German (Niederdeutsch), of which Plattdeutsch (q.v.) is a variety. Formerly Dutch and Dutchland were used in English for 'German' and 'Germany,' what is now called 'Dutch' being then 'Low Dutch;' but 'Dutch' has been long restricted in its reference to Holland and the things thereto pertaining. The people of Holland (who call themselves Nederlandsch) use their forms Duitsch, Nederduitsch, as the Germans do Deutsch, Niederdeutsch. For Dutch Language and Literature, see HOLLAND.