þýski

þýski is an Old Norse word that translates to "German" or "of Germany" in modern English. It is the masculine singular form of the adjective, and it appears in various Old Norse texts, often referring to people or things originating from Germanic lands. The root of the word is *þýð-, which relates to "people" or "nation." This connection highlights the historical understanding of "German" as referring to the collective Germanic peoples rather than a specific modern nation-state.

The word þýski can be found in sagas, poems, and historical records from the Viking Age and medieval Iceland. For instance, it might be used to describe a "þýskr maðr" (German man) or a "þýskr skip" (German ship). Understanding þýski is crucial for scholars interpreting Old Norse literature and history, as it provides insight into the interactions and perceptions between the Norse and their continental neighbors. The linguistic roots of þýski also connect it to broader Germanic linguistic family.