The meter was accentual or based on accented and unaccented syllables.

However, both German traditions show one common feature which is much less common elsewhere: a proliferation of unaccented syllables.

The unaccented syllables typically occur before the first stress in the half-line, and most often in the b-verse.

You never hear them end a sentence on an unaccented syllable.

There does not seem to be a rule governing which unaccented syllables take zero grade and which take stronger grades.

There are few instances of rhyme, and about half the lines end on unaccented syllables.

It consists of two unaccented, short syllables.

This tended to cause unaccented syllables to become less distinct, while working further changes on the sounds of the accented syllables.

Scuds are frequently associated with the unaccented syllables of long words; there are almost no duplex tilts.

Like all his countrymen, he laid most stress on unaccented syllables.