2006-09-05 17:38:35 · 2 answers · asked by Mary Claire M 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The word "acht" means "eight" in either Dutch or German (and probably some other Germanic languages).
Note that the "ch" (pronounced like the "ch" in Scottish "loch") is very similar to the original pronunciation of "gh" (same sound but adding the voice). This sound was used in late Middle English --at that time and into early Modern English some important changes took place, including many cases of "gh" becoming silent (compare "though", "through") or being pronounced differently (as /f/ in "rough", etc).
For what it's worth, there are MANY English words with silent "gh" that have German equivalents with "ch". Our spelling makes it easier to see this. (Examples: knight/Knecht; night/Nacht; light/Licht)
2006-09-07 00:36:55 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acht is German for "eight".
2006-09-06 00:42:29 · answer #2 · answered by Bummerang 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋