Oktoberfest: 20 Bavarian expressions that you should know!

Oktoberfest: 20 Bavarian expressions that you should know!

Munich - the Oktoberfest is not only known for its beer and the festive atmosphere, but also for its unique language. Numerous Bavarian expressions are used in the marquee, the often inexperienced visitors, who mainly speak High German, give up puzzles. This linguistic peculiarity attracts attention and illustrates how alive the dialect is in Bavarian culture.

In order to better educate visitors to the Oktoberfest about these special terms, the language and dialect experts Siegfried Bradl and Helmuth Hopper from the Bavarian Language and Dialects Association have put together a list of 20 important Bavarian expressions that can be heard at the Oktoberfest. This glossary contains both professional terms and those that describe local traditions.

Bavarian expressions that are distributed on the Oktoberfest

• selchen = smoke meat
• Strànitzn* = pointed paper bag
• ràdiweiberl* = radish seller
• Scherzl = rest of a bread laibes
• nåß fuadan* = drink beer instead of eating
• Bombardon = tuba (wind instrument)
• Straubn = lard biscuits
• dràdewixpfeiferl* = fingern roll from rye flour or potato dough
• Billet = entry ticket
• kettnziaga = chain carousel

*Notes on the pronunciation: à = very light a/Å = dull/dark a.

These terms are not only simple vocabulary, but also another expression of the cultural identity of the region. The association is strongly committed to the preservation and promotion of the Bavarian language. Their mission includes the organization of events for the care of the dialect and the publication of subject -specific materials in order to keep the knowledge of Bavarian high language alive. "Our goal is to preserve and promote Bavarian high language, dialects and dialects in culture, customs and education," said the people responsible.

importance of the dialect at the Oktoberfest

• tschinelln = pelvis (orchestral instrument)
• foam = foam crown on the beer (English foam)
• rana = red beets, ranen
• lådnbudl* = shop/sales table
• dàloawed* = physically exhausted, done
• Drutscherl = nice, awkward, naive girl
• Hirsch = 100-liter beer barrel
• Banzn = 50-liter beer barrel
• NOAGALZUZLA = remaining beer drinker
• Kasperlgwand = contemptuous expression for cheap costumes

This terminology is a central part of the Oktoberfest experience. The use of the Bavarian language not only promotes the cultural heritage, but also creates a special atmosphere that even captivates the most eager tourists. Understanding and using these expressions can enrich the experience for visitors and stimulate them to deal more intensively with the Bavarian tradition and culture. If you take the trouble to learn some of these words, you will probably be able to share the joy of the locals at the festival.

For more information about this topic and a deeper insight into the Bavarian language and its care, it is worth taking a look at the homepage of the Bavarian Language and Dialects Association, which offers many interesting content.