Why Are Danes Called Danes If They Are Not from Denmark?

There is a common misconception that people from Denmark are called "Danes," and that the word "Danes" has always been used to refer to people from the country. However, this may not be entirely accurate, as the term has evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the etymology of the name "Danes" and delve into the history of the Great Dane breed, which is unrelated to the Danes of Denmark.

The Etymology of "Danes": A Historical Perspective

The term "Dane" can cause confusion among non-natives, as the word is also used to refer to a breed of dog. This article aims to clarify the terminology surrounding this word and explain why people from Denmark are referred to as "Danes" even though the term has not always been directly related to the country.

Many people who emigrated to other parts of the world were often still referred to by their original nationality for a period after leaving their home country. Therefore, people from Denmark were initially called "Danes," but over time, the word "Dansker" became more commonly used in Denmark to refer to its inhabitants. The use of the word "Dansker" reflects the evolution of the Danish language and culture.

The Historical Context of "Danes": Not What You Think

The etymology of the word "Danes" does not necessarily stem from a place named Denmark. One misconception is that "Danelaw" was a region governed by Danish laws. In reality, "Danelaw" refers to a set of laws that applied in parts of England during a period when both English and Danish rulers had control over the region. The term existed long before the establishment of the kingdom of Denmark as we know it today.

The earliest known writings about Iceland and other regions were in languages other than Danish, such as Hiberno-Latin and Old Irish. Furthermore, the concept of a "Danish Viking" is a myth perpetuated by Hollywood. The earliest known writings in Denmark are actually some Hibrno-Latin manuscripts from the 13th century, attributed to a scholar named Grammaticus. This suggests that the language and culture in early medieval Denmark were heavily influenced by Ireland and the British Isles, rather than being solely Danish.

The Great Dane: A Breed of Dog, Not a Nationality

Another misconception is the name "Great Dane." This breed of dog is not actually from Denmark, but rather from Germany. The name "Great Dane" is an anglicized version of a French term, "Grand Danois," coined by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, in 1755. Buffon had traveled to Denmark and encountered a tall, slim German Boarhound and inaccurately named it the "Grand Danois," likely mistaking the breed for a Danish one.

The breed was later developed in Germany, where German nobles began strategically breeding the English dogs to form a more cohesive breed. They selected for characteristics like size, speed, and hunting ability. These dogs, known as "Englische Dogge," were eventually renamed "Deutsche Dogge," or "German Dog," by a Berlin committee in 1878. The term "Great Dane" was then adopted in English-speaking countries, while Germany still refers to the breed as "Deutsche Dogge."

The Great Dane breed's history is deeply rooted in German nobility and hunting traditions. Today, the breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is celebrated for its striking appearance and gentle nature. However, the name "Great Dane" has no connection to the people of Denmark, reflecting a historical and cultural misnomer.

Conclusion

In summary, the terms "Danes" and "Great Dane" have separate and distinct histories. The term "Danes" has been used to describe people from Denmark since the Middle Ages, but the etymology does not come from Denmark itself. Meanwhile, the Great Dane breed was developed in Germany and is a testament to German hunting traditions. Understanding these historical and cultural contexts can help clear up misconceptions and provide a more accurate picture of the relationship between the terms "Danes" and "Great Dane."

Key Points:

Danes are from Denmark. Prior to the 13th century, the term "Danes" referred to people from regions governed by Danish laws, not the modern country of Denmark. The Great Dane breed is a German development and has been wrongly named after Denmark due to a misinterpretation by a French naturalist. Modern Great Danes, recognized by the AKC, are not connected to the people of Denmark.

By understanding the origins and history of these terms, we can better appreciate the nuances of language and culture in this fascinating part of the world. Whether you are a dog lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about linguistic evolution, this article provides valuable insights into the complexities of the names "Danes" and "Great Dane."