Middle German refers to a group of dialects spoken in central Germany from around the 11th to the 16th centuries. It is part of the Germanic language family and evolved from Old High German. This period saw significant linguistic changes, including the development of new vocabulary and grammar. The Middle German dialects played a crucial role in the formation of modern Standard German. Notable literary works, such as those by Martin Luther, were written in these dialects, helping to standardize the language. Today, Middle German is studied for its historical significance and influence on contemporary German.