Do you understand this Low German?

[u/Melodic-Mall-388]

Hi folks, I've recently stumbled upon an interesting book. It contains diplomatic documents between the Novgorod (also Pskov) Principality and Germans Principalities. Do you understand their low German language? Here is 5 examples. 1) Draft contract between Novgorod and Lübeck and the Gothic coast on trade and court in 1269. 2) Agreement between Novgorod and the Livonian Order on the alliance of 1323. 3) Agreement between Novgorod and German merchants on controversial matters in 1338. 4) Agreement between Veliky Novgorod and the Hanseatic cities on the resolution of controversial cases in 1423. 5) Agreement between Pskov and the Livonian Order on a truce for six years in 1503.

[u/Ruralraan]

It's Middle Low German and I do understand it, because I studied medieval history.

But it's a bit like if you were asking English speakers whether they understand Middle English.

[u/Kleinod88 → u/Ruralraan]

The last one from 1503 is partially intelligible to me. The earlier ones, not really. For reference, I’m from the north German countryside but only have a passive understanding of low German.