Middle High German (MHG) refers to the historical period of the German language between the ninth and fourteenth centuries. During this period, German underwent significant changes in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, leading to the emergence of a distinct literary tradition. There are various synonyms that refer to this era, including Mittelhochdeutsch in German, medieval German, and Middle High Germanic. Additionally, the term Hochdeutsch can refer to the standard modern German spoken today, which is descended from Middle High German. MHG is widely studied by linguists, literary scholars, and historians, as it offers insights into the development of the German language and its relationship to other European languages.