04-29-2009, 10:32 AM
Somebody pointed out to me that in German, river names are male if they have, etymologically, a Celtic root and female if they have a Germanic root. And indeed, it is der Rhein, der Inn, der Main, but die Elbe, die Weser, die Oder, die Saale, and die Spree.
However, it is die Mosel and die Donau. Now the Mosel may be exceptional -the Treveri were often believed to be a Germanic tribe - but the Donau, being in the Celtic heartland, is another matter. This also applies for die Aare. Anyone any thoughts?
[size=85:2boxp4x5](Of course I've been whistling Die Wacht am Rhein for half an hour now - one of the few earworms that are actually beautiful.)[/size]
However, it is die Mosel and die Donau. Now the Mosel may be exceptional -the Treveri were often believed to be a Germanic tribe - but the Donau, being in the Celtic heartland, is another matter. This also applies for die Aare. Anyone any thoughts?
[size=85:2boxp4x5](Of course I've been whistling Die Wacht am Rhein for half an hour now - one of the few earworms that are actually beautiful.)[/size]