An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Hügel
Hügel, masculine, ‘hill, knoll,’ Modern High German only, introduced by Luther from Middle German: into the written language; in Middle High German (Upper German), bühel, hübel, were used, which, however, must be separated etymologically from Hügel; see Hübel. Hügel (Gothic *hugils), with diminutive suffix, is related by gradation to Old High German howg, Middle High German houc (-ges), ‘hill,’ which are explained under hoch.