Knittelvers (also Knüttelvers or Knittel) is a kind of Germanic verse meter which originated in Germany during the Middle Ages.
During the 15th and 16th century, the Knittelvers was commonly used in drama, as well as spoken didactic or satirical poetry.
Examples of free Knittelvers in German include Fastnachtspiele (Shrovetide plays) written in the 15th century by Hans Folz and Hans Rosenplüt [de], and post-revival work by Goethe and Friedrich Schiller.
Modern Knittelvers is typically satirical, parodic or light poetry, i.e. humorous.
[2] In Swedish, Knittelvers is used in the Eufemiavisorna and in Erikskrönikan, as in the following example: mangt eth gamalt fädernis swerd wart tha nidher aff naglom kränkt som ther haffdo manga dagha hengt Them wart tha venlika fölgt til strand helsados wel ok tokos j hand marghin röder mwn ward tha kust som aldrig kystes sydhan aff hiertans lust thy at the saghos summi aldrig meer aff tholkom skylnad tolkit skeer Many an old father's sword was lifted down from the nails, where for a long time, it had been in peace.