Old English, i.e. the language of Beowulf, is a Germanic language. With the Norman invasion, English became heavily influenced by the Romance languages. So English has roots in both both old German and old French.
One place you see this is in terms relating to food. Words relating to rustic activities like agriculture and raising animals such as "cow" tend to have German roots. While culinary words like beef and veal tend to have french roots.
One place you see this is in terms relating to food. Words relating to rustic activities like agriculture and raising animals such as "cow" tend to have German roots. While culinary words like beef and veal tend to have french roots.