The article addresses the problem that monodic music in the Middle Ages was generally notated without rhythm. Taking account of pre-scientific, pseudo-scientific or non-scholarly contributions on the subject that were published in the 19th century but have since been undeservedly forgotten, the study is dedicated to the question of whether the rhythm of the melodies of German Minnesingers can be reconstructed. The concrete considerations on the original rhythmic form of the tone sequences, which are repeatedly the subject of the ‚workshop reports‘ that were appended to (music) editions, are subjected to a closer examination and reassessment for this purpose. The plea of the article is to see the result of explorative or experimental research in future in reception products and to understand Medieval Reception as an act of formation of scientifically professionalised procedures.