Hochdeutschisch

Hochdeutschisch is a term sometimes used informally to refer to Standard German, particularly in contrast to regional dialects. It's not an official linguistic classification but rather a colloquial way to describe the German language as it is standardized and widely taught in schools, used in media, and understood across German-speaking regions. This standardized form is based on historical developments and has evolved over time to facilitate communication across different dialect areas. While there isn't a single, rigidly defined "Hochdeutschisch" separate from Standard German, the term emphasizes the perceived correctness and universality of this form of the language. It often implies a clear pronunciation and grammar that deviates from the more localized characteristics of dialects like Bavarian, Swabian, or Plattdeutsch. Linguists generally refer to this standardized form as Standard German (Standarddeutsch) or High German (Hochdeutsch), with the latter term historically referring to the dialects spoken in the mountainous southern regions of Germany that formed the basis of the standard. The use of "Hochdeutschisch" can sometimes carry connotations of formality or academic correctness.