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!

 

"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).

 

Ah I see! Thanks so much Demiurg.

 

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

 

Thank you as well Kurtchen.