How to Learn Pennsylvania Dutch: A Comprehensive Guide
Pennsylvania Dutch, also known as Deitsh, Pennsylvania German, PA German, or Penn German, is a unique American language with German roots spoken by many Amish, Mennonites, and Deitshi-leit in the United States and Canada within their homes and communities. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to learn Pennsylvania Dutch, incorporating various resources, tips, and insights.
Understanding Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutch is a blend of several languages. Many native speakers do not feel the need to formally name their language, leading to the variety of names it goes by. It's important to note that the proper term could be "The Amish Language," though it is not Dutch.
Getting Started
For those interested in learning Pennsylvania Dutch, there are several avenues to explore. The "How to Get Started" page is a good place to find learning resources.
Berks History Center Classes
The Berks History Center offers online classes that explore the language and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The Winter 2026 Semester will begin the week of January 5th. Registration is now open! These classes offer a fun opportunity for students to enjoy the fellowship of other Pennsylvania Dutch enthusiasts, and more importantly, it allows an opportunity to celebrate and preserve this rich cultural heritage.
- Beginner Course: Perfect for students with little knowledge of the language, or for more experienced speakers who would benefit from a review. The Beginner Course introduces students to vocabulary, common phrases, and very basic grammar. This course also includes weekly culture lessons which provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the people and the communities which speak Pennsylvania Dutch. This course uses a workbook, “A Pennsylvania Dutch Beginner’s Guide,” by Bradley Smith, which will be provided to all students prior to the start of class (in-person students will receive a printed version, online students will receive an electronic version). All classes run for 8 weeks. Classes cost \$90 for BHC Members (Individual Level Members and Above) and \$175 for Non-Members. Participants can become a BHC Member by signing up online.
YouTube Lessons
YouTube can be a beneficial platform for learning Pennsylvania Dutch. One individual who grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch as their first language has created YouTube videos to teach basic words and phrases. These lessons can be particularly helpful because they provide audio pronunciations, which are crucial for a language that is primarily spoken.
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Essential Learning Tips
Learning a new language can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Immersion and Conversation
Start having conversations with native speakers. Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn any language. Surrounding yourself with the language and culture will accelerate your learning process.
Vocabulary Building
The Words List is a good addition to the Pennsylvania German dictionary. It’s updated regularly with words and phrases used by native speakers.
- Flashcards: Flashcards are important for learning and remembering words. Download Pennsylvania Dutch flashcards (Get Pennsylvania Dutch Anki decks for verbs, pronouns, common phrases.
Understanding Grammar and Sentence Structure
Sentences in Pennsylvania Dutch are put together differently than in English. Getting to know the basics like sentence structure is important. While Pennsylvania Dutch is primarily a spoken language, understanding its grammar can still be helpful. Resources like the "Pennsylvania German" book available on Amazon may offer some insights into spelling and grammar rules.
Pronunciation
Pay attention to pronunciation. For example, the letter "z" in Pennsylvania Dutch words like "katz," "zvay," "zeit," "butza," and "zung" is often pronounced as a "ts" sound (/ts/‑like sound), similar to the second "z" in the English word "pizza."
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Cultural Immersion
Learning a language is not just about memorizing words and grammar; it's also about understanding the culture behind it.
Connect with Your Berks County Heritage
Pennsylvania Dutch is an American language that developed from the immigration of German speakers to colonial Pennsylvania. It is also referred to as Pennsylvania German to emphasize its German roots.
Understanding Cultural Nuances
- hohchi leit: hohchi leit (noun) = people who are not of a Deitsh culture or background. Opposite of Deitshi leit. This is not a negative term. The person is not talking down about the other person. It is simply a way to describe someone who is not of Deitsh culture.
- Pure Worship: Pure Worship (phrase) = Used for Pure Worship (of God). Literally Serve God Correctly. Meaning: To serve God in a way that He accepts and that is free from things that would defile or contaminate our worship. Instead of a noun, these phrases are used as verbs to describe worshiping and serving God in the correct way.
Challenges and Considerations
Dialectal Variations
There are differences in the Pennsylvania Dutch spoken by Amish from different areas. Whenever an Amish person from Ohio speaks really fast, it may be difficult to understand them because they have a bit of a different accent, and they roll their R's.
Language Loss
When you're not around people that speak the language, you lose it. The saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it", is definitely true. Consistent practice is essential to maintain fluency.
Useful Phrases
- "Hello" in PA Dutch is basically the same as in English, but with a little more of a "Hallo" sound.
- PA Dutch for "Hello, how are you?" is "Hallo, vie bisht du?"
- "Good morning" is translated as "Gude Mariye".
Thanksgiving Poem in Pennsylvania Dutch
Here is a Thanksgiving poem in Pennsylvania Dutch with an English translation:
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Pennsylvania Dutch:
Guder Daag Blog Leser!
Well, nau sin mir in November un sell mehnt ass Danksfescht kummt. Des Mol hawwich en katzes Gedicht gschriwwe.
Mariyeschtick esse, awwer net viel…es gude Esse kummt um zwelf Uhr.
Zwette Koppche Kaffi drinke.
Myusick aadrehe.
Gummbiere schaele, Selleri un Zwiwwel glee schneide: alles in en Haffe duh…koche losse.
Gedrickelte Welschkann griege un mit Wasser in en Haffe neischidde…koche losse.
Dritte Koppche Kafii drinke.
Offedier uffmache, uff es Welschhinkel gucke…reihe mit Brieh.
Der Disch decke, Deller, Gawwle, Messer, Leffle raushole.
Meh Schtiehl vun en annere Schtubb hole.
Die Kich iss voll mit Geruche…mir kenne es schier gaar schmacke.
Grummbiere verdricke, Brot, Budder, Millich, Sals un Peffer neiduh…Filse iss reddi.
Braunzucker, Budder, Millich in de Gedrickelte Welschkann mixe…Welschkann iss reddi.
Dunkes koche.
Welschhinkel aus re Offe bringe, hocke losse.
Brot uffwarme losse.
Welschhinkel schneide.
English:
Good day Blog Reader!
Well, now we are in November and that means that Thanksgiving is coming. This time I have written a short poem.
Eat breakfast, but not too much…the good food is coming at twelve o’clock.
Drink a second cup of coffee.
Turn the music on.
Peel potatoes, cut celery and onions: put everything in a pot…let it cook.
Get the dried corn and place it in a pot with water…let it cook.
Drink a third cup of coffee.
Open the oven door, look at the turkey…baste it with juice.
Set the table, get plates, forks, knives, spoons.
Get more chairs from another room.
The kitchen is full of aromas…we can almost taste it.
Mash the potatoes, put in the bread, butter, milk, salt and pepper…filling is ready.
Mix the brown sugar, butter, and milk in the dried corn…corn is ready.
Cook the gravy.
Bring the turkey out of the oven, let it sit.
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