An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Witz

by Friedrich Kluge

Witz, m., ‘wit, sense, understanding, repartee,’ from MidHG. witze, OHG. wizzî, f., ‘knowing, understanding, prudence, wisdom’; an abstract of wissen (corresponding to AS. and E. wit). Allied to witzig, adj., ‘witty, clever, brilliant,’ from MidHG. witzec (g), OHG. wizzîg, ‘intelligent, prudent.’