Tanzen, Tanz (etymology)

[Frank78]

Most dictionaries claim "tanzen" has entered German (and all Germanic languages) from Old French.

But how is that possible when there is a T in High German and a D in all other Germanic languages?

The /d/ -> /t/ soundshift happened between 700-800 AD, still before Old French came into existence.

 

[Yendred]

I'd say it goes back to Latin tendere (to stretch/extend).

 

[fdb]

Actually, a very dificult question.
Tanz – Schreibung, Definition, Bedeutung, Etymologie, Synonyme, Beispiele | DWDS

 

[berndf]

The /d/ -> /t/ soundshift happened between 700-800 AD, still before Old French came into existence.

To my knowledge the d>t shift in spelling stayed productive much longer. In many High German dialects the difference is purely orthographic anyway. According to Grimm (lemma tanz), the shift in spelling occurred in the 12th century.