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{{Infobox District DE
| name=Dithmarschen
| state=Schleswig-Holstein
| image_coa=DEU Kreis Dithmarschen COA.svg
| image_flag=Flagge Kreis Dithmarschen.svg
| capital=[[Heide]]
| area=1405
| Kreisschlüssel= 01051
| district_admin    = Stefan Mohrdieck
| admin_party       = 
| carsign=HEI, MED
| url= [http://www.dithmarschen.de dithmarschen.de]
| map=Schleswig-Holstein HEI.svg
}}
'''Dithmarschen''' ({{IPA|de|ˈdɪtmaʁʃn̩|lang|De-Dithmarschen.ogg}}, {{IPA|nds|ˈdɪtmaːʃn̩|label=[[Northern Low Saxon|Low Saxon]]:}}; archaic English: ''Ditmarsh''; {{langx|da|Ditmarsken}}; {{langx|la|label=[[Medieval Latin]]|Tedmarsgo}}) is a district in [[Schleswig-Holstein]], Germany. It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the districts of [[Nordfriesland]], [[Schleswig-Flensburg]], [[Rendsburg-Eckernförde]], and [[Steinburg]], by the state of [[Lower Saxony]] (district of [[Stade (district)|Stade]], from which it is separated by the [[Elbe]] river), and by the [[North Sea]].

From the 13th century up to 1559 Dithmarschen was an independent [[peasant republic]] within the [[Holy Roman Empire]] and a member of the [[Hanseatic League]]. It repulsed attempts by larger fiefs to annex it, whether physically (as with the invasions by Holstein in 1319 and 1404 or [[Battle of Hemmingstedt|Denmark in 1500]]) or legally (as with their successful court battle against Holstein in 1474-1481). Dithmarschen was recognized as an imperial fief by the emperor, who summoned the peasants to send representatives to royal assemblies and the [[Imperial Diet (Holy Roman Empire)|Imperial Diet]]. Its heyday was from the consolidation of its government in 1447 to its final conquest by the King of Denmark in 1559, though the Danish were still compelled to leave Dithmarschen with a considerable degree of autonomy.<ref>Wilson, Peter H. (2016). "Heart of Europe: A History of the Holy Roman Empire." Belknap Press. Pages 580-582.</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Hedwigenkoog.JPG|thumb|Marshland in northern Dithmarschen]]
[[File:Buesum.jpg|thumb|[[Wadden Sea]] at Büsum]]
The district is located on the [[North Sea]]. It is embraced by the [[Elbe]] estuary to the south and the [[Eider (river)|Eider]] estuary to the north. Today it forms a kind of [[artificial island]], surrounded by the Eider river in the north and the [[Kiel Canal]] in both the east and southeast. It is a rather flat countryside that was once full of fens and swamps.

To the north it borders on [[Nordfriesland]] and [[Schleswig-Flensburg]], to the east on [[Rendsburg-Eckernförde]], and in the southeast on [[Steinburg]]. Its landward boundaries have remained basically the same since the times of [[Charlemagne]]. [[Land reclamation]], however, has almost doubled the size of Dithmarschen as land has been wrested from the sea.

The main roads and rail lines in Schleswig-Holstein follow a north–south direction, making Hamburg its most accessible city. Exemplary is the most important railway line in the district, the [[Marsh Railway]], and the main roads, [[Bundesautobahn 23]] and [[Bundesstraße 5]]

The district has a maximum north–south length of 54 kilometers and an east–west length of 41 kilometers. The highest point, near Schrum in the [[geest]]land, is {{convert|78|m|ft}} above sea level and the lowest point, near Burg, is {{convert|0.5|m|ftin}} below sea level.

Dithmarschen's landscape owes its character to the North Sea. From west to east Dithmarschen consists of the [[Wadden Sea]], [[marsh|marshes]], [[bog|bogs]], and the [[geest]]land. The North Sea had a higher sea level 6,500 years ago than today and the coastline then ran along the geestland. About 4,500 years ago, geestland structures were connected by sand and gravel depositions that formed [[Spit (landform)|spits]]. Bogs, lakes, and swamps emerged as the area behind the spits no longer flooded. After the first plants ([[glasswort]]) took root, the land transformed first to salt marshes and finally to marshes. These marshes rank among the most fertile of Germany's soils. Vegetable farming in Dithmarschen produces the highest yields in Schleswig-Holstein.

Since about the 8th century, the people of Dithmarschen have been living on [[Artificial dwelling hill|warfts]] for protection from the sea. In the 12th century, they began building [[Dike (construction)|dikes]] to protect their pastures and fields. Since about the 15th century, they have been reclaiming land from the sea.

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Baeume im Westwind.JPG|left|thumb|Wind influences tree growth]]

While the Geest has some woods, trees are found in marshlands only in the form of wind protection around houses or villages. Traditional are the {{ill|Wallhecke|de|lt=Knicks}}: tree rows with strong undergrowth to protect agricultural land from the wind.

Several bogs are present in Dithmarschen. A special position is taken by the "Weißes Moor" (White bog), the only bog still existing in a quite-natural shape in the Schleswig-Holstein marsh land.

[[File:Phoca vitulina he.jpg|thumb|[[Common seal]] on a sand bank]]
[[File:BrantaLeucopsisFilghtB.jpg|thumb|Barnacle goose in flight]]
Part of the [[Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park]] is in Dithmarschen. It is the most important natural habitat in the district. Many molluscs can be found here, including [[bivalve]]s, [[gastropods]], [[worm]]s and [[crustaceans]], which provide food for larger animals. Fish use the Wadden Sea as a "kindergarten" where they can raise their offspring in a protected environment. Although many species of birds settle permanently in the Wadden Sea, many others use it only as a winter habitat or as a resting place. Typical birds in Dithmarschen are [[dunlin|dunlins]], [[Red knot|red knots]], [[bar-tailed godwit|bar-tailed godwits]], [[northern lapwing]]s, [[ringed plover|ringed plovers]], [[Eurasian oystercatcher|Eurasian oystercatchers]], many species of [[duck]] and [[gull]], [[sandwich tern|sandwich terns]], [[pied avocet|pied avocets]], [[brent goose|brent geese]] and [[barnacle goose|barnacle geese]]. 200,000 [[common shelduck]]s alone come in August. The shelducks lose their feathers in the Wadden Sea and therefore are unable to fly for around three weeks. The majority of common shelducks in Northwestern Europe travel to the area at this time. Large [[salt marsh]]es are located along the Friedrichskoog coast and in the Neufeld Bay.

Three sand banks, [[Trischen]], Tertius and [[Blauort]] are in the sea. They are some of only a few still-natural habitats along the German coast, and they are of importance to sea birds and seals. After futile attempts in the 1930s to make them habitable to humans, they are now part of the national park, closed to public access. Many birds preferring wet grasslands live in the [[Eider-Treene Valley]].

==History==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:Lämmer und Mutter.JPG|thumb|200px|Landscape with ewes and lambs]]

In [[Middle Ages|medieval times]] the [[marsh]]land villages of Dithmarschen enjoyed remarkable autonomy. Neighbouring princes often tried to bring Dithmarschen under their control.

After 1180 Prince-Archbishop [[Siegfried, Count of Anhalt|Siegfried]] ceded Dithmarschen, which was supposed to belong to his [[Archdiocese of Bremen|Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen]], to his brother [[Bernhard, Count of Anhalt|Bernhard III]], Duke of the [[Saxe-Wittenberg|younger Duchy of Saxony]]. In his new position of Duke of Saxony he held the [[Land of Hadeln]], opposite of Dithmarschen on the southern bank of the river [[Elbe]]. [[Adolf III of Holstein|Adolf III of Schauenburg]], [[Count of Holstein]], at enmity with the [[Ascanian]]s, had de facto taken a loose possession of Dithmarschen. It fell to Bernhard to regain the territory, but he failed, only forcing Adolf to accept his overlordship of Dithmarschen.

Prince-Archbishop [[Hartwig of Uthlede|Hartwig II]] prepared a campaign into Dithmarschen, which, while religiously belonging to the [[Archdiocese of Bremen]], and represented by its subsidiary [[cathedral chapter|chapter]] at [[Hamburg Concathedral]], rejected secular overlordship from Bremen. He persuaded Adolf III to waive his claim to Dithmarschen, in return for being paid regular dues to be levied from the Ditmarsians after subjugation. In 1187 and 1188 Hartwig and his ally [[Maurice, Count of Oldenburg|Maurice I, Count of Oldenburg]], heading their troops, invaded Dithmarschen. The free peasants promised to pay him dues, only to ridicule and renounce Hartwig, once he and his soldiers had left. The Ditmarsians gained support from [[Valdemar of Denmark (bishop)|Valdemar]], steward of the [[Duchy of Schleswig]] and [[Bishop of Schleswig]]. Hartwig, owing dues to Adolf III and the soldiers' pay to Maurice I, was trapped and could not afford to wage a second war.

In 1192 the Bremian Chapter elected Valdemar as its new Prince-Archbishop. Valdemar welcomed his election, hoping his new position could be helpful in his dispute with [[Valdemar II of Denmark|Duke Valdemar]] of [[Duchy of Schleswig|Schleswig]] and his elder brother [[Canute VI of Denmark]]. Before entering the Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen he won the support of Dithmarschen.

===Late Middle Ages===
In the 15th century the Ditmarsians confederated in a [[peasant republic]]. Though several times neighbouring princely rulers, accompanied by their [[knight]]s and [[mercenaries]], attempted to subjugate the independent peasants to feudalism, they were unsuccessful.  In 1319 [[Gerhard III]] was repelled in the {{ill|Battle of Wöhrden|lt=Battle of Wöhrden|de|Schlacht von Wöhrden}}. After [[Eric IV, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg]] had raided Dithmarschen, the Ditmarsians blamed his son-in-law, [[Albert II, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg]], for complicity, who then used this as a pretext for his own unsuccessful conquest attempt in 1403, dying during the campaign from inflicted injuries. In 1468 Dithmarschen allied with [[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]] to protect their common interest as to commerce and containing the spreading feudalism in the region.<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124">''Die Hanse'' [La Hanse (XII<sup>e</sup>-XVII<sup>e</sup> siècles); German], in [[#Dollinger 1964|Dollinger 1964]], p. 124.</ref> Based on the Hanseatic obligations and privileges from the pact signed with Lübeck, Ditmarsians had established trade with [[Livonia]] and neighbouring [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] destinations in the 15th century.<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124"/> Both parties renewed their alliance several times and it thus lasted until Dithmarschen's final defeat and Dano-Holsatian annexation in 1559.<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124"/>

In 1484 [[Magnus I, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg|Magnus of Saxe-Lauenburg]],<ref>Magnus was a successor of Duke Bernhard III in the eighth generation.</ref> then vicegerent of the Land of Hadeln, failed to subjugate the free [[Frisians|Frisian]] peasants in the [[Land Wursten|Land of Wursten]], a de facto autonomous region in a North Sea marsh at the [[Weser]] estuary, which was under the loose overlordship of the Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen.<ref name="Krause 1881 184">"Johann III., Erzbischof von Bremen", in [[#Krause 1881|Krause 1881]], vol. 14, pp. 183–185, here p. 184.</ref><ref name="Schütz 1995 266">"Die Konsolidierung des Erzstiftes unter Johann Rode", in [[#Schütz 1995|Schütz 1995]], vol. II, pp. 263–278, here p. 266.</ref> This foreshadowed a series of feudal attempts to subdue regions of free peasants, an alarming signal for the Ditmarsians and the free peasants in other marshes in the area.<ref>Such as [[Altes Land]], Land of Hadeln, [[Haseldorfer Marsch]], [[Kehdingen]], and [[Wilstermarsch]], also known as the [[Elbe Marshes]], Land of Wursten, Butjadingen and Stadland (both part of today's [[Wesermarsch|Weser Marsh]]), as well as [[Stedingen]], the [[Land of Würden]], both marshes of free peasants also located on the banks of the Weser. Cf. "Johann III., Erzbischof von Bremen", in [[Dithmarschen#Krause 1881|Krause 1881]], vol. 14, pp. 183–185, here p. 184.</ref>

In April 1499 Count [[John V, Count of Oldenburg|John XIV]] of [[County of Oldenburg|Oldenburg]] invaded the Weser and North Sea marshes of [[Stadland]] and [[Butjadingen]], both of which the Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen claimed overlordship over, in order to subject their free peasants.<ref name="Schütz 1995 266"/> Bremen's prince-archbishop [[Johann Rode von Wale|Johann Rode]] tried to form a military alliance to repel these invasions, and prevent further ones, first rallying the cities of [[Bremen]], Hamburg and [[Stade]], as they considered the areas downstream of the rivers [[Elbe]] and Weser their own front yard: essential for their free maritime trade connections. Rode won the Ditmarsians too, for a defensive alliance to protect Wursten, concluded on 1 May 1499.<ref name="Boeselager 1995 332">"Das Land Hadeln bis zum Beginn der frühen Neuzeit", in [[#Boeselager 1995|Boeselager 1995]], vol. II, pp. 321–388, here p. 332.</ref> On 1 August the alliance, now also including [[Buxtehude]], committed themselves to supply 1,300 warriors and equipment to defend Wursten and/or invade Hadeln.<ref name="Schütz 1995 266" />

Conversely, [[John V, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg|John V]] and his son Magnus of Saxe-Lauenburg had already allied with [[Henry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg|Henry IV the Elder of Brunswick and Lunenburg]], [[Principality of Wolfenbüttel|Prince of Wolfenbüttel]], on 24 November 1498, to conquer Wursten.<ref name="Krause 1881 184"/><ref name="Schütz 1995 266"/> Henry IV obliged to send 3,000 [[landsknecht]]s, who should gain their payment by ravaging and plundering the free peasants of Wursten, once successfully subjugated.<ref name="Boeselager 1995 332"/>

Rode then waged [[feud]] against John V of Saxe-Lauenburg on 9 September 1499.<ref name="Schütz 1995 267">"Die Konsolidierung des Erzstiftes unter Johann Rode", in [[#Schütz 1995|Schütz 1995]], vol. II, pp. 263–278, here p. 267.</ref> The allied forces, with the Ditmarsians invading by crossing the Elbe, easily conquered the Land of Hadeln, and defeated Magnus.<ref name="Krause 1881 184"/><ref name="Schulze 1974 480">Heinz-Joachim Schulze, "Johann III. Rode", in: [[#References|see references]] for bibliographical details, vol. 10, pp. 480seq., here p. 480.</ref>{{ambiguous|reason=There are two entries in the bibliography for Schulze. Which is meant?|date=January 2023}}

While the cities desired a peaceful front yard without another's powerful influence, the Ditmarsians instead favoured the favour of autonomy of the free peasants. Hamburg and the Ditmarsians fell out with each other. On 16 September 1499, a landsknecht hired by Hamburg slew Cordt von der Lieth, a member of the Bremian [[ministerialis]], causing the [[Otterndorf Strife]] (Otterndorfer Streit).<ref name="Boeselager 1995 333">"Das Land Hadeln bis zum Beginn der frühen Neuzeit", in [[#Boeselager 1995|Boeselager 1995]], vol. II, pp. 321–388, here p. 333.</ref> The landsknecht created rumours that it had instead been a Ditmarsian who had slain von der Lieth, and fled after. Hamburg's landsknechts then attacked the uninvolved Ditmarsians and slew 76 men in their military camp near [[Otterndorf]].<ref name="Boeselager 1995 333"/> Consequently, Dithmarschen cancelled its alliance with Rode, Bremen and Hamburg, and the Ditmarsians returned home.<ref name="Boeselager 1995 333"/> Hamburg aimed at reestablishing its rule in Hadeln, as it had wielded between 1407 and 1481 when Saxe-Lauenburg had given Hadeln to Hamburg as security for a credit. The relationship between Dithmarschen and Hamburg then turned icy, and Ditmarsians captured, according to the traditional [[Wrecking (shipwreck)|wrecking custom]], wrecked Hamburgian ships and their freight, if they foundered around the shores of Dithmarschen. (Earlier, Hamburg and Dithmarschen had agreed to replace this practice with a reward for rescuing ships, freight and crew.) The parties only reconciled in 1512.

By 20 November 1499 Magnus hired the so-called {{ill|Schwarze Garde (Landsknechtsregiment)|lt=Black Guard|de|Schwarze Garde (Landsknechtsregiment)}} of 6,000 ruthless and violent mostly Dutch and East Frisian mercenaries, commanded by [[Thomas Slentz]], prior operating in the [[County of Oldenburg]].<ref name="Krause 1881 184"/><ref name="Schütz 1995 267"/> The Black Guard invaded the Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen, passing through and ravaging areas in the [[Prince-Bishopric of Verden]] and the Brunswick-Lunenburgian [[Principality of Lüneburg|Principality of Lunenburg-Celle]], leaving behind a wake of devastation in the countryside and especially in the looted monasteries.<ref>"Johann III., Erzbischof von Bremen", in [[#Krause 1881|Krause 1881]], vol. 14, pp. 183–185, here p. 185seq.</ref><ref>"Die Konsolidierung des Erzstiftes unter Johann Rode", in [[#Schütz 1995|Schütz 1995]], vol. II, pp. 263–278, here pp. 267 et seq.</ref>

Finally, on Christmas Eve, arriving down the Weser in [[Bremerhaven|Lehe]], the Black Guard tried to invade Wursten. However, the free peasants there repelled their attack near [[Bremerhaven|Weddewarden]] on 26 December.<ref name="Krause 1881 185">"Johann III., Erzbischof von Bremen", in [[#Krause 1881|Krause 1881]], vol. 14, pp. 183–185, here p. 185.</ref><ref name="Schütz 1995 268">"Die Konsolidierung des Erzstiftes unter Johann Rode", in [[#Schütz 1995|Schütz 1995]], vol. II, pp. 263–278, here pp. 268.</ref> So the Guard turned northeastwards, looting [[Neuenwalde Nunnery]] underways, into Hadeln, repressing the joint forces of Rode and the cities – lacking support by Bremian knights and the Ditmarsians –, recapturing it for Magnus in early 1500.

Rode then converted Henry IV the Elder to his column, with Henry the Elder and his troops then hunting the Black Guard.<ref name="Schütz 1995 268"/> Magnus, unable to pay the mercenaries so that they turned even the more oppressive for the local population, was like [[the Sorcerer's Apprentice]], who could not get rid of "the spirits that he called". By mid-January 1500 King [[John, King of Denmark|John of Denmark]] hired the Guard and guaranteed for its safe conduct first southeastwards via Lunenburg-Cellean [[Winsen an der Luhe|Winsen upon Luhe]] and Hoopte, crossing the Elbe by [[Zollenspieker Ferry]] to the Hamburg-Lübeckian bi-urban condominium (Beiderstädtischer Besitz) of [[Bergedorf (quarter)|Bergedorf]] and [[Vierlande]].<ref name="Krause 1881 185"/>

[[File:Max Koch Schlacht bei Hemmingstedt.jpg|thumb|right|The Battle of Hemmingstedt in a [[history painting]] of 1910 by [[Max Friedrich Koch]], assembly hall of the former District Building in Meldorf.]] From there the Black Guard headed northwestwards again through [[Holstein]] in order to join more of King John's forces recruited in Holstein and by the [[Kalmar Union]]. These forces then invaded Dithmarschen in order to subject the free Ditmarsians. The Ditmarsians took a vow to donate a monastery in honour of the then national [[patron saint]] [[Mary of Nazareth]] if they could repel the invasion. On 17 February 1500, in the [[Battle of Hemmingstedt]], the outnumbered Ditmarsians, led by [[Wulf Isebrand]], defeated the invading armies and thus destroyed King John's dream of subjecting Dithmarschen.<ref name="Boeselager 1995 333"/>

In 1513 the Ditmarsians founded a [[Franciscan]] [[Friary]] in [[Lunden]] fulfilling their vow. However, the [[Hamburg Cathedral#Chapter and canonry|Hamburg concathedral chapter]], holding the ecclesiastical jurisdiction, demanded its say in appointing the [[prebendaries]].<ref>Thies Völker, [http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 ''Die Dithmarscher Landeskirche 1523–1559: Selbständige bauernstaatliche Kirchenorganisation in der Frühneuzeit''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630000409/http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 |date=30 June 2017 }}, section 'Konfliktauslöser: Besetzung der Pfarrstellen und Klosterprojekt', posted on 16 July 2009 on: [http://www.suite101.de ''suite101.de: Das Netzwerk der Autoren''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905035832/http://www.suite101.de/ |date=5 September 2018 }}.</ref> After years of dispute, the Council of the 48, the elected governing body of the farmers' republic of Ditmarsh, decided to found a [[Gallicanism|Gallicanist]] kind of independent Catholic Church of Dithmarschen in August 1523, denying Hamburg's capitular jurisdiction in all of Dithmarschen.<ref>Thies Völker, [http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 ''Die Dithmarscher Landeskirche 1523–1559: Selbständige bauernstaatliche Kirchenorganisation in der Frühneuzeit''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630000409/http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 |date=30 June 2017 }}, section 'Gründung der Landeskirche 1523', posted on 16 July 2009 on: [http://www.suite101.de ''suite101.de: Das Netzwerk der Autoren''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905035832/http://www.suite101.de/ |date=5 September 2018 }}.</ref> The chapter could not regain the jurisdiction, including its share in ecclesiastical fees and fines levied in Dithmarschen. After violently repelling the first preaching of proponents of the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]], slaying [[Henry of Zutphen]] in December 1524, [[Lutheranism]] nevertheless started to win over Ditmarsians.<ref>Thies Völker, [http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 ''Die Dithmarscher Landeskirche 1523–1559: Selbständige bauernstaatliche Kirchenorganisation in der Frühneuzeit''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630000409/http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 |date=30 June 2017 }}, section 'Heinrich von Zütphen 1524', posted on 16 July 2009 on: [http://www.suite101.de ''suite101.de: Das Netzwerk der Autoren''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905035832/http://www.suite101.de/ |date=5 September 2018 }}.</ref> In 1533 the Council of the 48 turned the Ditmarsian Catholic Church into a Lutheran [[state church]].<ref>Thies Völker, [http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 ''Die Dithmarscher Landeskirche 1523–1559: Selbständige bauernstaatliche Kirchenorganisation in der Frühneuzeit''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630000409/http://www.suite101.de/content/die-dithmarscher-landeskirche-15231559-a58840 |date=30 June 2017 }}, section 'Sieg der Reformation 1533', posted on 16 July 2009 on: [http://www.suite101.de ''suite101.de: Das Netzwerk der Autoren''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905035832/http://www.suite101.de/ |date=5 September 2018 }}.</ref>

===Post-Medieval===
After the victory of Hemmingstedt Dithmarschen regularly sent its delegates to the [[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] [[Diet (assembly)|Diets]] (Hansetage).<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124"/> In 1554 the Hanseatic Diet confirmed that free Ditmarsian peasants doing business cannot be considered equal to merchants being [[:wikt:burgher|burgher]]s of free or autonomous cities, but are, nevertheless, accepted as enjoying all Hanseatic advantages.<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124"/> Thus Ditmarsian merchants, along with those from [[Monastic state of the Teutonic Knights|Teutonic Prussia]], were the only beneficiaries of a quasi membership within the Hanse, although lacking the background of citizenship in an autonomous or [[Free imperial city|free city]].<ref name="Dollinger 1998 124"/>

It was not until 1559 and the [[Last Feud]] between the King of Denmark and the Ditmarsians that the free peasants were forced to give up their political and religious autonomy by the successful invasion commanded by Count [[Johan Rantzau]] from [[Steinburg]], one of the best strategists of the time {{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}. Since then the coat of arms of Dithmarschen has shown a warrior on horseback, representing a knight of Rantzau. This knight has later been identified with [[Saint George]], then considered to be the patron of Dithmarschen.

The conquerors – King [[Frederick II of Denmark|Frederick II]], Duke [[Adolf, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp|Adolf]], and Duke [[John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Haderslev|John II the Elder]] – divided Dithmarschen into two parts: the south became a part of Holstein in [[personal union]] with Denmark while the north came into the possession of the other Duke of Holstein. From 1773 all of Holstein was united in personal union with Denmark and remained so until 1864, when, following the [[Second Schleswig War]], the Duchies of Holstein and of [[Duchy of Schleswig|Schleswig]] became an occupied territory of the [[German Confederation]]. Two years later, following the [[Austro-Prussian War]], Dithmarschen became part of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]], which annexed Holstein and Schleswig making them subsequently the [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]].

The Middle Ages in Dithmarschen are held to have continued into the 19th century, when the [[Kiel Canal]] was completed, fens began to be drained, and agricultural reforms took place. Within the [[States of Germany|Bundesland]] Schleswig-Holstein, the area remained divided into the districts of ''Norderdithmarschen'' (Northern Ditmarsh) and ''Süderdithmarschen'' (Southern Ditmarsh) before they were united in 1970 as the district of Dithmarschen.

==Culture==

===Traditions===
[[File:Kohltage-strohfiguren.JPG|thumb|"Cabbage Days"]]

The people of Dithmarschen have displayed great pride in their history. In recent decades many traditions have been revitalized and new events in a traditional fashion have been created.

[[File:Nordseegarnelen.jpg|thumb|Common shrimp]]

===Language===
High German is by now the dominant language but [[Low German]] in its [[Holsteinisch]] version still has a place in informal conversation. Until the 1960s Low German was the prevailing language of everyday communication. Most Ditmarsians born before 1960 still consider Low German their mother tongue. Low German is more common in rural regions than in urban regions and more likely to be spoken by older Ditmarsians.

The best known author of "high literature" in Low German was [[Klaus Groth]] from Heide. The best known Low German speaker in Germany today is probably [[Wilhelm Wieben]], former anchorman of the popular German news [[Tagesschau (Germany)|Tagesschau]], who now produces Low German [[audiobook]]s. Only two episodes of the popular crime television show ''[[Tatort]]'' carried subtitles for its German audience. One of these episodes centered its plot in Dithmarschen: the Low German in the dialogue was thought to be too difficult for a generic German audience to follow.

===Architecture===
[[File:Marne rathaus, kirche, apotheke.jpg|thumb|Marne church and city hall]]
The Dithmarschen landscape was long dominated by churches. Palaces were never built in the farmers' republic. The few castles that were constructed played only minor roles and have long since been reduced to groundworks. In contrast, churches were symbols of not only spiritual but also worldly power. The medieval republic organised itself into Parishes ("Kirchspiele") centered on churches. A Dithmarschen church was not just a sacral building; it was also the primary place for political meetings. Administration of spiritual and political matters was done by the same people in the same place, so little need for representative secular buildings arose. Political and religious life in Dithmarschen remained undivided until Schleswig-Holstein's integration into Prussia in 1867.

In the flat marshland of Dithmarschen, church towers can often be seen from more than 10 kilometers away. Churches are built on the highest point of the Terpen in the center of villages such as [[Wesselburen]], [[Marne, Germany|Marne]], and [[Wöhrden]]. Village streets run toward the central church, giving these villages a distinct medieval character. It is likely that older houses were removed to make room for these churches. In the Geest, the village church stands on the medieval rim of the village or with other houses within it; the settlements of the Geest existed before their churches were built and there was no special need to protect these churches from flooding.

[[File:Kirche-Hennstedt.jpg|thumb|St. Secundus in [[Hennstedt, Dithmarschen|Hennstedt]]]]

The most important church of Dithmarschen was the so-called [[St. John the Baptist Church, Meldorf|Sankt-Johannis-Kirche (St. John's the Baptist Church)]] in Meldorf, due to its size also called Meldorf Cathedral. Between the 9th and 11th century it was the only church in Dithmarschen and one of the few north of the [[Elbe]] River. In the Middle Ages the church was the venue of the representatives of the political parishes of Dithmarschen. The place around this church was the most important meeting place in Dithmarschen and [[Meldorf]] itself was the only settlement to develop a distinct urban structure. Even after the political center moved to Heide, the St. John's in Meldorf remained the most important religious site in Dithmarschen. The [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] in Dithmarschen began there in 1524 with Dithmarschen converting to [[Lutheranism]].

Today's church was built in the 14th century. While the outside was mainly rebuilt in the 19th century, inside one can still see Gothic architecture from the years 1250 to 1300. The paintings are among the most magnificent in Schleswig-Holstein, giving an impression of the former wealth of the farmers' republic.

St. Jürgen church in Heide began as a chapel built in the 15th century. Due to conflicts in Dithmarschen, Meldorf lost its role as central meeting point. The people of northern Dithmarschen began to meet in 1447 "auf der Heide" ("on the heath"); later, the Council of the 48—representatives of the most important families and the central decision body of Dithmarschen—met at St. Jürgen. The core of the long, single-nave church is still the 15th-century building. Its outer appearance is dominated by a late-renaissance three-story tower added by Johann Georg Schott in 1724.

St. Bartholomäus in Wesselburen was also built in 1737/1738 by Johann Georg Schott. He constructed the baroque building from the remains of older churches after Wesselburen burned down in 1736. Its onion dome is highly unusual for Northern Germany. Also notable are the 12th-century church in [[Tellingstedt]] and the churches in Hemme and [[Büsum]], which display the traditional coat of arms of the "Geschlechter" inside.

==Education==
In 1993 Schleswig-Holstein's latest [[Fachhochschule]] (comparable to a [[Institute of technology|Polytechnics]]) was established in Heide. There are 800 students studying economics, electrical engineering, information technology, international tourism management, and law at the [[Fachhochschule Westküste]] (Fachhochschule West Coast). The [[Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel]] has an outpost in the Büsum-based Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste (Research and Technology Center West Coast), which researches coastal geology, coastal geography, and coastal protection.

In 2004, 17,900 students were studying in Dithmarschen schools. In the district there are six [[Gymnasium (Germany)|Gymnasia]], three [[Fachgymnasium|Fachgymnasia]], two vocational schools, and 44 schools for primary education.

==Economy==
The Dithmarschen economy consists mainly of tourism, agriculture, and energy. Tourism is concentrated in the north in [[Büsum]] and in the south in [[Friedrichskoog]]. Most tourists come as families to enjoy the North Sea beaches. A significant number of tourists also come for bicycle trekking. Almost all of the approximately two million tourists each year come from Germany.

[[File:Bayerbrunsbuettel.JPG|thumb|[[Bayer]], the most important employer in the district.]]

The unemployment rate was 11.6% in September 2004. After the [[Hartz concept]] was implemented and new statistical methods were adopted, the unemployment rate rose to 17.4% in January 2005. The unemployment rate was far above the average for Schleswig-Holstein (12.7%) and the rest of Germany. The most important employers in the district are [[Bayer]] in Brunsbüttel (1,000 employees), the [[Sparkasse (Germany)|Sparkasse]] Westholstein (600), the [[Royal Dutch Shell]] refinery in Hemmingstedt (570), the [[Sasol]] chemistry works in Brunsbüttel (570), the printing company Evers in Meldorf (560), and the Beyschlag manufacturing plant in Heide. The [[Bundeswehr]] has a school for non-commissioned officers in Heide.

In recent years the number of people who live in Dithmarschen but work in [[Hamburg]] and its surroundings has steadily risen. In 2002 9,200 people drove to work outside the district, including 1,700 who commuted to Hamburg.
<!--
=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Vielelaemmer.JPG|thumb|300px|Lämmer, Wesselburenerkoog]]

Wichtigstes Anbauprodukt der Landwirtschaft ist [[Kohl]]. Europas größtes geschlossenes Anbaugebiet ist etwa 2.800 Hektar groß und produziert ungefähr 80 Millionen Kohlköpfe jährlich. Das ist etwa ein Drittel der gesamten deutschen Produktion. Vor allem pflanzen die Dithmarscher [[Weißkohl]], aber auch [[Rotkohl]] oder [[Wirsing]] an. Dem Anbau wird eine hohe kulturelle Bedeutung zugemessen. Die [[Dithmarscher Kohltage]] gehören zu den überregional viel beachteten Veranstaltungen des Kreises. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Teilen Deutschlands, die eine Weinkönigin wählen, gibt es in Dithmarschen zwei ''Kohlregentinnen.'' Neben Kohl werden [[Zuckerrübe]]n, [[Getreide]], [[Raps]] und Gemüse angebaut; ferner wird überwiegend extensive Viehwirtschaft betrieben.

Der Kohlanbau begann in Dithmarschen schlagartig. Der Wesselburener Gärtner Eduard Laß begann 1889 Experimente mit dem Anbau verschiedener Gemüsearten, wobei sich Kohl als am besten geeignet erwies. Andere Bauern entdeckten das Erfolgsrezept schnell. Innerhalb der zehn Jahre von 1893 bis 1902 wuchs die Anbaufläche für Kohl allein im Kirchspiel Wesselburen von drei auf 283 Hektar. Wurden 1894 noch 863 Tonnen Kohl an Dithmarscher Bahnhöfen verladen, waren es 1913 bereits 97.000 Tonnen.

Das Dithmarscher Marschland eignet sich besonders gut zum Kohlanbau. Die Böden sind fruchtbar, so dass selbst in schlechten Jahren noch ein guter Ertrag erbracht werden kann. Durch den beständigen Seewind halten sich in der Gegend weit weniger Schädlinge wie der [[Kohlweißling]].

Zu den Vorteilen des Marschlandes kamen günstige Bedingungen in der Infrastruktur. Die wachsenden Städte machten es für immer mehr Menschen unmöglich, ihr eigenes Gemüse anzubauen. Mit dem Bau der Eisenbahn nach Heide (1878) und von Zweigbahnen in die Marschen hinein (in den 1880ern) wurde es ebenso möglich große Mengen an Dünger billig ein- beziehungsweise von Kohl auszuführen. In der großen Zeit des Kohlanbaus etablierten sich mehrere [[Sauerkraut]]fabriken, die vor allem für den auswärtigen Markt arbeiteten, da Sauerkraut nicht zur traditionellen Dithmarscher Küche gehört.

In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde das Geschäft jedoch zunehmend schwieriger. Die Ernährungsgewohnheiten der Deutschen stellten sich um, so dass weit weniger Kohl gegessen wird. Zudem fallen die Preise seit dem Fall des Eisernen Vorhangs, was wirtschaftliches Arbeiten erschwert. Die Dithmarscher Bauern versuchen sich darauf einzustellen, indem sie spezialisiertere und aufwändigere Züchtungen, wie beispielsweise ''tafelfertigen Rotkohl'' pflanzen. Der direkte Hofverkauf vor allem an Touristen nimmt auch zu.
-->

===Energy===
[[File:Kuh vor Windrädern, Norderwöhrden, Kreis Dithmarschen.jpg|thumb|left|Wind turbines close to Poppenwurth]]
[[File:Pumpe Hemmingstedt.JPG|thumb|Old nodding donkey, Hemmingstedt]]
[[File:Hemmingstedt-raffinerie.JPG|thumb|Hemmingstedt refinery]]

Commercial wind farming in Germany began in Dithmarschen. Germany's first [[wind park]] was opened 1987 in [[Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog]], the experimental [[GROWIAN]] ("Große Windkraftanlage" – big wind turbine) stood there from 1983 to 1987. As of 2008 the tallest wind turbine in the world is the experimental [[Enercon E-126]] near [[Emden]].

In Dithmarschen stand around 800 [[wind turbine]]s, almost all of them in marshland. That means that 5% of all German wind turbines stand on 0.15% of its area. Except for Büsum, where a small airport prevents their erection, and the nature reserve at Speicherkoog, the whole coastline is lined by wind turbines. In 2003 they produced around [[Watt-hour|KWH]] of energy, which is about half the energy demand of Dithmarschen. According to [[E.on]]-Hanse, the local energy company, in the same time it paid 59 million Euro for the energy, 3 to 5&nbsp;million Euro were paid to farmers on whose land the turbines stand. The income through taxes for the district is around 4&nbsp;million Euro each year. Because commercial wind farming in Germany began in Dithmarschen, many wind turbines are relative old and produce only a small amount of electricity. For people interested in wind turbines this makes an interesting contrast, though, since it is possible to see many working varieties of wind turbines standing close to each other.

The offshore oil field [[Mittelplate]] close to the coast produces 2 million tons of petroleum, around 54% of German production. The refinery in Hemmingstedt processes around 4&nbsp;million tons of oil each year, partly from Mittelplate and partly from oil delivered through the Brunsbüttel port. Another oil field between Heide and Hemmingstedt was active until 1991. The nuclear power plant in Brunsbuttel is one of the oldest in Germany. It delivers cheap energy for the important aluminium industry in Schleswig-Holstein.
It is supposed to close down in 2009.
<!--
 === Industry ===
[[File:Bayerbrunsbuettel.JPG|left|thumb|Bayer in Brunsbüttel]]

Die Industrie konzentriert sich in Brunsbüttel. Bereits seit dem Bau des Nord-Ostsee-Kanals gab es dort mehrere industrielle Kleinbetriebe, die die gute Verkehrslage nutzten. In den 1960ern/1970ern fand dort von Land und Kreis initiiert, ein ehrgeiziges Infrastrukturprogramm statt. Der Elbhafen wurde seit den 1960ern analog zu anderen Gebieten der Nordseeküste ([[Emden]]/Dollarthafen; [[Wilhelmshaven]]) verstärkt industrialisiert. Ein ehrgeiziges Infrastrukturprogramm führte zum Bau des Ölhafens (1960), des Elbehafens (1967), des Kernkraftwerks (1976) und eines weiteren Elbehafens (1979) sowie zu Industrieansiedlungen besonders der rohstoffverarbeitenden Industrie. Der erste mineralölverarbeitende Betrieb ''CONDEA'' (heute zu [[Sasol]] gehörend) siedelte sich 1963 an, dazu kamen 1977 ein [[Bayer]]-Werk, Schelde-Chemie (1980), [[VEBA]]-Chemie (1981), eine Düngemittelfabrik des norwegischen Konzerns [[Norsk Hygro]] (heute YARA), ein Bitumenwerk von [[Elf Aquitaine]] (heute zu [[Total|TOTAL SA]] gehörend) und seit 1994 eine Sondermüllverbrennungsanlage. Zudem hält [[DEA]] bzw. jetzt [[Shell]] Bunker- und Speicherkapazitäten vor, die über eine Pipeline mit der Erdölraffinerie in Hemmingstedt verbunden sind. In den letzten Jahren verlor das ehemalige Vision der "nachhaltigen Industrialisierung“ an Glanz. Werke wurden geschlossen, beziehungsweise verkauft und/oder verkleinert.

Neben dem Kernkraftwerk in Brunsbüttel liefert vor allem das 1987 gebaute [[Kernkraftwerk Brokdorf]] den Strom für die Anlagen. -->

==Tourism==
[[File:Büsum Strand.JPG|thumb|Büsum beach]]
The main tourist attractions in Dithmarschen are the North Sea and the [[Wadden Sea National Parks|Wadden Sea National Park]]. The district owns about 10 kilometers of green beaches; [[Büsum]] also provides an artificial sandy beach. In 2003, 205,382 tourists spent 1,173,205 nights in Dithmarschen, most of them in Büsum (756,630 nights), which is ranked before [[Friedrichskoog]] (75,654) and [[Büsumer Deichhausen]] (33,811). Tourism has declined slightly over the last few years but not as much as tourism on the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic coast. Recent competition with the former Warsaw Pact states and their Baltic coasts has had less impact on Dithmarschen because their coastal formations are quite different.

Entrance fees for beaches raise heated controversy in the district. Büsum (around 1,000,000 beach visits each year) and Friedrichskoog (300,000) impose a fee. However, most smaller villages nearby do not.

The tourism industry in Dithmarschen is trying to diversify tourist attractions. Fitness and health play an increasing role in German life, so tracks and roads for bicycles and inline skates are being built. Part of the [[North Sea Cycle Route]] crosses through Dithmarschen. In the east of Dithmarschen, ecological travel by canoe or kayak along the Eider is promoted. Policy makers and tourism agencies also emphasize the cultural and historical roots of the district.

==Coat of arms==
The district coat of arms displays a knight of [[Holstein]]. This coat of arms was unpopular for many years in Dithmarschen because it was the sign of conquerors. These arms were used by governors but were not accepted by the people. In 1930, when these ancient hostilities had become irrelevant, this coat of arms was re-introduced in slightly different forms by both South Dithmarschen and North Dithmarschen. When both districts were united in 1970, the arms of South Dithmarschen became the symbol of the newly merged district.

==Towns and municipalities==
[[File:Skylinewesselb.JPG|thumb|Wesselburen Skyline]]

Towns and municipalities in Dithmarschen developed from the old parishes that were independent political divisions in the medieval farmers' republic. These parishes existed as primary political divisions until the 19th century. Only Meldorf was able to develop an urban structure during the Middle Ages.

In more recent times Heide became a rival to Meldorf. Wesselburen and Wöhrden had some importance as central villages of the rich northern marshland.

After Schleswig-Holstein was annexed by Prussia in 1867, some villages became towns and therefore administratively left their old parishes: Meldorf in 1869, Heide in 1878, Marne in 1891, and Wesselburen in 1899. The old village of Brunsbüttel and the newly founded Brunsbüttelkoog united in 1970 to become the town of Brunsbüttel.

Parishes were finally dissolved and single villages became independent during the Nazi period. For efficient administration, municipalities are united in [[Amt (political division)|Ämtern]], which for historical reasons are named Amt Kirchspielslandgemeinden (Amt Parish's Country Municipalities).

The largest town by population is Heide. Büsum has a special role as tourist resort. Although a member of an Amt, its summertime population swells to become the largest in the district.

In socio-geographics the difference between marshland and the higher, dryer uplands has played an important role. The fertile marshland was historically rich while the uplands were poor but less prone to flooding. The two most important towns, Heide and Meldorf, were built on the safe geest but directly adjacent to marshland where people could have their fields.

[[File:Uebersicht-HEI.png|600px|Towns and Municipalities in Dithmarschen]]

(Population on 30 September 2005)
{|
|-----
!Independent towns
|-
|valign=top|
#[[Brunsbüttel]] (13,789)
#[[Heide]] (20,716)
|}
{|
! colspan=3|[[Amt (country subdivision)|Ämter Kirchspielslandgemeinden]]
|- valign=top
||
* '''1. [[Burg-Sankt Michaelisdonn]]'''
# [[Averlak]] (640)
# [[Brickeln]] (212)
# [[Buchholz, Dithmarschen|Buchholz]] (1,115)
# [[Burg, Dithmarschen|Burg Dith.]]<sup>1</sup> (4,364)
# [[Dingen, Dithmarschen|Dingen]] (714)
# [[Eddelak]] (1,462)
# [[Eggstedt]] (836)
# [[Frestedt]] (401)
# [[Großenrade]] (529)
# [[Hochdonn]] (1,249)
# [[Kuden]] (664)
# [[Quickborn, Dithmarschen|Quickborn]] (199)
# [[Sankt Michaelisdonn]] (3,728)
# [[Süderhastedt]] (874)
* '''2. [[Büsum-Wesselburen]]'''
# [[Büsum]]<sup>1</sup> (4,880)
# [[Büsumer Deichhausen]] (345)
# [[Friedrichsgabekoog]] (71)
# [[Hedwigenkoog]] (271)
# [[Hellschen-Heringsand-Unterschaar]] (169)
# [[Hillgroven]] (86)
# [[Norddeich (Dithmarschen)|Norddeich]] (430)
# [[Oesterdeichstrich]] (273)
# [[Oesterwurth]] (274)
# [[Reinsbüttel]] (427)
# [[Schülp, Dithmarschen|Schülp]] (489)
# [[Strübbel]] (96)
# [[Süderdeich]] (536)
# [[Warwerort]] (284)
# [[Wesselburen]]<sup>2</sup> (3,112)
# [[Wesselburener Deichhausen]] (142)
# [[Wesselburenerkoog]] (151)
# [[Westerdeichstrich]] (908)
||
* '''3. [[Eider (Amt Kirchspielslandgemeinde)|Eider]]'''
# [[Barkenholm]] (189)
# [[Bergewöhrden]] (36)
# [[Dellstedt]] (801)
# [[Delve, Schleswig-Holstein|Delve]] (737)
# [[Dörpling]] (611)
# [[Fedderingen]] (277)
# [[Gaushorn]] (213)
# [[Glüsing]] (119)
# [[Groven]] (128)
# [[Hemme]] (514)
# [[Hennstedt, Dithmarschen|Hennstedt]]<sup>1</sup> (1,880)
# [[Hollingstedt, Dithmarschen|Hollingstedt]] (338)
# [[Hövede]] (64)
# [[Karolinenkoog]] (132)
# [[Kleve, Dithmarschen|Kleve]] (452)
# [[Krempel]] (663)
# [[Lehe, Schleswig-Holstein|Lehe]] (1,160)
# [[Linden, Schleswig-Holstein|Linden]] (876)
# [[Lunden]] (1,655)
# [[Norderheistedt]] (144)
# [[Pahlen, Germany|Pahlen]] (1,168)
# [[Rehm-Flehde-Bargen]] (609)
# [[Sankt Annen]] (355)
# [[Schalkholz]] (595)
# [[Schlichting, Germany|Schlichting]] (239)
# [[Süderdorf]] (396)
# [[Süderheistedt]] (542)
# [[Tellingstedt]] (2,493)
# [[Tielenhemme]] (178)
# [[Wallen, Germany|Wallen]] (37)
# [[Welmbüttel]] (465)
# [[Westerborstel]] (98)
# [[Wiemerstedt]] (165)
# [[Wrohm]] (732)
* '''4. [[Heider Umland]]'''<br>[seat: Heide]
# [[Hemmingstedt]] (2,989)
# [[Lieth]] (396)
# [[Lohe-Rickelshof]] (1,942)
# [[Neuenkirchen, Schleswig-Holstein|Neuenkirchen]] (1,044)
# [[Norderwöhrden]] (287)
# [[Nordhastedt]] (2,753)
# [[Ostrohe]] (963)
# [[Stelle-Wittenwurth]] (486)
# [[Weddingstedt]] (2,321)
# [[Wesseln]] (1,352)
# [[Wöhrden]] (1,334)
||
* '''5. [[Marne-Nordsee]]'''
# [[Diekhusen-Fahrstedt]] (734)
# [[Friedrichskoog]] (2,522)
# [[Helse]] (964)
# [[Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog]] (364)
# [[Kronprinzenkoog]] (965)
# [[Marne, Germany|Marne]]<sup>1, 2</sup> (6,018)
# [[Marnerdeich]] (341)
# [[Neufeld]] (646)
# [[Neufelderkoog]] (144)
# [[Ramhusen]] (163)
# [[Schmedeswurth]] (215)
# [[Trennewurth]] (269)
# [[Volsemenhusen]] (368)
* '''6. [[Mitteldithmarschen]]'''
# [[Albersdorf]] (3,588)
# [[Arkebek]] (250)
# [[Bargenstedt]] (925)
# [[Barlt]] (844)
# [[Bunsoh]] (871)
# [[Busenwurth]] (331)
# [[Elpersbüttel]] (915)
# [[Epenwöhrden]] (808)
# [[Gudendorf]] (425)
# [[Immenstedt, Dithmarschen|Immenstedt]] (97)
# [[Krumstedt]] (556)
# [[Meldorf]]<sup>1, 2</sup> (7,655)
# [[Nindorf]] (1.165)
# [[Nordermeldorf]] (649)
# [[Odderade]] (325)
# [[Offenbüttel]] (283)
# [[Osterrade]] (462)
# [[Sarzbüttel]] (735)
# [[Schafstedt]] (1,343)
# [[Schrum]] (77)
# [[Tensbüttel-Röst]] (692)
# [[Wennbüttel]] (77)
# [[Windbergen]] (841)
# [[Wolmersdorf]] (345)
|-
|colspan=3 align=center|<sup>1</sup>seat of the Amt Kirchspielslandgemeinde; <sup>2</sup>town
|}

==Twinning==
Dithmarschen is currently twinned with [[Restormel]], a borough in the British county of Cornwall. The main link is between St Austell and Newquay and Heide.

==Notable residents==
*[[Klaus Groth]] (1819–1899), a Low German poet
*[[Hans Bothmann]] (1911–1946), Nazi SS concentration camp commandant

==References==
* <cite id="Boeselager 1995">Elke Freifrau von Boeselager, "Das Land Hadeln bis zum Beginn der frühen Neuzeit", in: ''Geschichte des Landes zwischen Elbe und Weser'': 3 vols., Hans-Eckhard Dannenberg and Heinz-Joachim Schulze (eds.), Stade: Landschaftsverband der ehem. Herzogtümer Bremen und Verden, 1995 and 2008, vol. I "Vor- und Frühgeschichte" (1995; {{ISBN|3-9801919-7-4}}), vol. II "Mittelalter (einschl. Kunstgeschichte)" (1995; {{ISBN|3-9801919-8-2}}), vol. III "Neuzeit" (2008; {{ISBN|3-9801919-9-0}}), (=Schriftenreihe des Landschaftsverbandes der ehem. Herzogtümer Bremen und Verden; vols. 7–9), vol. II: pp.&nbsp;321–388.</cite>
* <cite id="Dollinger 1964">Philippe Dollinger, ''Die Hanse'' [La Hanse (XII<sup>e</sup>-XVII<sup>e</sup> siècles), Paris: Aubier, 1964; German] (<sup>1</sup>1966), ext. ed., Hans Krabusch and Marga Krabusch (trls.), Stuttgart: Kröner, <sup>5</sup>1998, (Kröners Taschenbuchausgabe; vol. 371). {{ISBN|3-520-37105-7}}.</cite>
* {{de-ADB|14|183|185|Johann III. (Erzbischof von Bremen)|Karl Ernst Hermann Krause|ADB:Johann III. (Erzbischof von Bremen)|ref=Krause 1881}}
* {{NDB|10|480|481|Johann III. Rode|Heinz-Joachim Schulze}}
* <cite id="Schütz 1995">Michael Schütz, "Die Konsolidierung des Erzstiftes unter Johann Rode", in: ''Geschichte des Landes zwischen Elbe und Weser'': 3 vols., Hans-Eckhard Dannenberg and Heinz-Joachim Schulze (eds.), Stade: Landschaftsverband der ehem. Herzogtümer Bremen und Verden, 1995 and 2008, vol. I "Vor- und Frühgeschichte" (1995; {{ISBN|3-9801919-7-4}}), vol. II "Mittelalter (einschl. Kunstgeschichte)" (1995; {{ISBN|3-9801919-8-2}}), vol. III 'Neuzeit' (2008; {{ISBN|3-9801919-9-0}}), (=Schriftenreihe des Landschaftsverbandes der ehem. Herzogtümer Bremen und Verden; vols. 7–9), vol. II: pp.&nbsp;263–278.</cite>

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070202204355/http://beehive.thisiscornwall.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=12946 Official Restormel Dithmarschen Twinning Homepage] (English)
*{{Official website|http://www.dithmarschen.de}} (German)
*[http://www.dithmarschen-wiki.de/ www.dithmarschen-wiki.de] Encyclopaedia of Dithmarschen (German)
*[http://www.museum-albersdorf.de/ www.museum-albersdorf.de] Museum Website, thorough information about the history of Dithmarschen, author: Dr. Volker Arnold (German with English abstracts)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20030620083405/http://www.ahnenforschung-sh.de/history/e/war1500.htm The Dithmarschen Wars] (English)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20030813115516/http://www.uni-muenster.de/PeaCon/pow/1500.html Battle of Hemmingstedt, image]

{{Cities and municipalities in Kreis Dithmarschen district}}
{{Germany districts schleswig-holstein}}

{{Coord|54.08|9.08|display=title|format=dms}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dithmarschen| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Schleswig-Holstein]]
[[Category:Former states and territories of Schleswig-Holstein]]
[[Category:Former republics]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in the 1550s]]