An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Lunge

by Friedrich Kluge

Lunge, f., ‘lung,’ from the equiv. MidHG. lunge, OHG. lungun (plur. lungunnâ), f.; corresponding to the equiv. Goth. *luggô, OIc. lunga, AS. lungen, E. lungs (prop. plur. on account of the two lobes), Du. long. Some etymologists connect these cognates with the OTeut. root ling, ‘to be light,’ which appears in leicht and gelingen. Comp. Port. leve, ‘lung,’ from Lat. levis, ‘light,’ E. lights from light, Russ. legkoe from legkij.