An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Lügner

by Friedrich Kluge

Lügner, m., ‘liar,’ from MidHG. lügenœre, OHG. luginâri. To this common Teut. root lug (Aryan lugh), ‘to lie,’ Goth. liugan (pret. liugaida), ‘to marry,’ has no relation; the latter, like OFris. logia, ‘to marry,’ is connected rather with OIr. luige, ‘oath’ (primit. form lughio-). ModHG. lügen is more probably allied to OSlov. lŭžą (lŭgati), ‘to lie,’ lŭža, ‘lie.’ From Teut., Ital. (dial.) luchina, ‘false story,’ is derived.