Preterite Decay as a European Areal Phenomenon.

This article aim to elucidate on what has come to be called the "Upper German decay of the preterite." Focus is given to the cause, or causes, that lead to this decay in Southern German, which took place during the 15th century only in the southern part of the German speaking area. The question of whether the preterite decay took place also in languages other than the Upper German is pursued.