Low German is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in northern Germany and the northeastern Netherlands. It is closely related to High German but has distinct phonetic and grammatical features. Low German has several regional dialects, which can vary significantly from one area to another.
Historically, Low German was the language of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance in the Middle Ages. Although it has declined in use, it remains an important part of the cultural heritage in regions where it is spoken, with efforts ongoing to preserve and promote the language among younger generations.