Modern English to Old English Translation
Our Old English Translator lets you quickly and accurately translate Modern English to Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and vice versa. Whether you’re a student, writer, gamer, or history enthusiast, this free tool helps you explore the earliest form of the English language. Learn more in our blog section.
What is Old English?
Old English, also called Anglo-Saxon, was spoken in England and southern Scotland from the 5th to the 11th century.
It was a West Germanic language closely related to Old Frisian and Old Saxon, with:
- Complex grammar and inflected nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and verbs
- Vocabulary derived mainly from Germanic roots
- Unique letters like þ (thorn), ð (eth), and æ (ash)
- Famous works such as Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
Old English eventually evolved into Middle English, Early Modern English, and the Modern English we speak today.
How to Use the Old English Translator
Follow these simple steps to translate text to or from Old English:
- Enter Your Text – Type or paste your Modern English or Old English text into the input box.
- Choose Direction – Select “Modern to Old English” or “Old to Modern English.”
- Click Translate – Get instant results in seconds.
- Review Special Characters – Our translator automatically includes þ, ð, and æ where appropriate.
- Copy & Share – Use your translation for research, creative writing, games, or personal projects.
Why Choose Our Old English Translator?
- AI-Powered Accuracy – Goes beyond word-for-word conversion by considering grammar, syntax, and context.
- Comprehensive Vocabulary – Covers everyday terms and specialized historical words.
- Bidirectional Translation – Translate Modern English ↔ Old English with one click.
- Long Text Support – Works with documents, poems, and historical excerpts.
- Extra Modes – Includes Shakespearean Translator for Elizabethan English.
- Free & Accessible – No sign-up or subscription required.
Modern English to Old English – Practical Uses
This tool is perfect for:
- Students & Educators – Study medieval literature and history.
- Writers & Role-Players – Create authentic medieval dialogue.
- Linguists – Compare language evolution from Old to Modern English.
- Casual Users – Translate names, quotes, or phrases for fun.
Examples of Old English Words
| Modern English | Old English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King | Cyning | From Germanic root kuningaz |
| Love | Lufu | Often used in poetry |
| Warrior | Beorn | Also means “man” or “hero” |
| Day | Dæg | Uses æ (ash) |
Special Features: Shakespearean Translator
Want to speak like the Bard? Switch to our English to Shakespearean Translator and turn modern speech into the poetic, dramatic tone of William Shakespeare’s era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How accurate is the Old English translation?
Our tool is based on historical dictionaries and AI models. While perfect accuracy is difficult due to Old English’s complexity, the results are highly useful for study, creativity, and casual use.
Q2: Can I translate from Old English to Modern English?
Yes, our translator works both ways — Old English → Modern English and Modern English → Old English.
Q3: Do I need to type special Old English characters?
No — the translator automatically generates characters like þ, ð, and æ.
Q4: Can I use it for academic research?
Yes, but for scholarly publications, pair it with dedicated academic sources.
Q5: Is it free?
Absolutely — our Old English Translator is 100% free to use.
Tips for Best Results
- Enter complete sentences for better accuracy.
- Avoid slang and overly modern terms.
- Experiment with both Old English and Shakespearean modes.
Start Translating Now
From Beowulf to modern phrases, our Old English Translator bridges centuries of language evolution. Paste your text, click translate, and step back into the world of Anglo-Saxon England. Interested in exploring more ancient scripts? Try this Rune Translator, a unique tool that transforms modern text into authentic Viking runes. Perfect for history enthusiasts, designers, or anyone curious about Norse culture, it lets you decode symbols, create custom rune messages, and connect with the fascinating world of the Vikings.