Schneewittchen

[Hau Ruck]

Hello all.

I understand Scheewittchen to refer to Snow White. I would like some clarity as to the "wittchen" part of this name. Does it have a particular meaning by itself?

Also, why do you suppose it is not something like Schneeweißen or Schneeweißchen perhaps??

Thank you in advance!

 

[Demiurg]

"wittchen" is Northern German for "weißchen" (little white). It didn't undergo the consonant shift (t => s) and therefore is closer to English "white".

There's also a German tale called "Schneeweißchen und Rosenrot" (=> Snow-White and Rose-Red).

 

[Hau Ruck]

Ah I see! Thanks so much Demiurg.

 

[Kurtchen]

Also, if you happen to read German -- http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneewittchen
In short, it's a HG-LG hybrid

 

[Hau Ruck]

Thank you as well Kurtchen.