Werg

German

Etymology

From Middle High German werc, wer(i)ch, from Old High German werk, werah, from Proto-West Germanic *werk, from Proto-Germanic *werką (“rope”). For the Middle High German variantion between -rc and -rch compare Storch. The spelling with -g is an attempt to reflect both pronunciations; compare Sarg (from Middle High German sarc, sar(i)ch). Moreover it serves to distinguish from Werk (“work”).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /vɛʁk/, [vɛʁk], [vɛɐ̯k], [ʋ-] (standard)
  • IPA(key): /vɛʁç/ (northern and central Germany; now chiefly colloquial)
  • Audio(file)
  • Hyphenation: Werg
  • Homophone: Werk (standard only)

Noun

Werg n (strong, genitive Werges or Wergs, no plural)

  1. hards, tow, oakum (short, fallen-off fibres of flax or hemp)
    Synonym: (northern Germany) Hede

Declension
Declension of Werg [sg-only, neuter, strong]
singular
indef. def. noun
nominative ein das Werg
genitive eines des Werges, Wergs
dative einem dem Werg, Werge1
accusative ein das Werg

1Now rare, see notes.

Further reading
  • “Werg” in Duden online
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