If you are a foreigner and visiting Oktoberfest this year, you definitely need a handbook that covers important German phrases commonly used at the fest. From Oktoberfest greetings and ordering your beer in German to getting friendly around folks, you need a wholesome German language course for that. How about a crack course on German words to know for Oktoberfest?
It's quite sensible and handy when you learn basic sentences or phrases while visiting any place. With an average of 6 million visitors annually, Oktoberfest Munich is a place where you can meet people from across the globe. So, logically, there must be one medium to pass on ideas, joke, and celebrate- the German Language. As quite rightly put into words,
German Greetings for Oktoberfest
While roaming around Munich, you may hear greetings with a modest smile from locals, and you probably have planned just to shake your head in response. Let’s learn some words to greet Germans at Oktoberfest or outside the fest in a welcoming way because “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart."
“Servus! (SER-voos)
Oktoberfest has a festive and casual atmosphere. "Servus" fits right in with its friendly and informal vibe. Using "Servus" adds a local touch. It shows you're making an effort to connect with the culture. Whether grabbing a beer with new friends or just saying hi to your neighbors at a table, "Servus!" is the way to go!
“Griasde” (GREE-uhs-deh)
It is not as common as the ‘servus.’ The term “Griasde” is used with other terms to greet people in Oktoberfest. Like “Griasde euch alle!" (GREE-uhs-deh oich oi-leh), which means “Hello everyone!”.
“Grüß Gott" (GROOS GOTT)
It's a more formal Bavarian greeting meaning "greet God." If you want a modest reaction, just greet a German with a little bow, which simply means ‘Hallo’ in a formal way.
“Pfiat di!” (pfee-AHDT dee)
It is a friendly Bavarian farewell you might hear at Oktoberfest. It literally translates to "God be with you," but it is also used as a casual "goodbye" or "see you later." So, if someone says it to you, you can respond with "Pfiat di”
Bavarian Phrases to Start Conversations at Oktoberfest
Now that you have greeted a German, what if he stops to chat briefly with you? Here you go with the conversation;
Wie heißt du? (vee HAIS doo)
When he approaches you, smile modestly to stay respectful. He will probably ask, ‘Wie heißt du?’(What’s your name?). Stay confident, saying, “Ich heiße [mention your name]" (Ich HAIS doo-ne…). Your accent would tell him you are a struggling Bavarian. But that’s where you earn the respect of the locals. It's a great way to break the ice and start a conversation while enjoying the Oktoberfest festivities.
Woher kommst du? (VO-hair komst doo?)
The next possible question can be, “Woher kommst du?” (where are you from?). Just respond like you were born in Alpines with “Ich komme aus [your country]" (Ich KOMeh owS [your country]), which means "I come from [ country]." Before he gets into your resume, just divert the conversation to his outfit.
Wo haben Sie ihren Lederhosen gekauft?
Ask him about the Traditional Lederhosen Costume. If he is wearing one, just pronounce, “Vo haben zee IH-reh LE-der-ho-zen ge-kauft?” meaning, "Where did you buy your Lederhosen?”
German Traditional Oktoberfest Costumes
People across Germany and Europe wear traditional outfits for “d’Wiesn” (Bavarian term for Oktoberfest). Men wear the Bavarian leather shorts called the ‘Lederhosen’ while Women wear the traditional ‘Dirndl.’ The German term used collectively for all traditional outfits is ‘Trachten.’ Next time you buy German costumes from an online store, memorize the following terms for an easy shopping experience.
Bavarian Terms Related to Lederhosen
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Bundhosen (BOONT-ho-zen): Long variant of Lederhosen below knee-length
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Träger (TREH-ger): The suspenders
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Haferl Schuhe (HA-ferl SHU-he): Traditional Bavarian shoes
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Loferls (LOH-ferl): Bavarian knee-high socks
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Latztasche (LATZ-tasche): The bib pocket on the front
Bavarian Terms Related to Dirndl
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Mieder (MEE-der): The bodice of the dirndl
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Rock (ROCK): The skirt of the dirndl
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Bluse (BLOO-ze): The blouse worn under the bodice
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Schürze (SHURT-se): The apron
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Schleife (SHLAY-fe): The bow
Must-Know Bavarian Phrases for the Beer Tents of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest grounds are full of giant tents, 17 big and 21 small beer tents full of crazy visitors chugging in beer mugs. That’s where you need German phrases to help you order beer and food, ask for washrooms, and the main course — healthy flirting. Let’s dive in!
How to Say Happy Oktoberfest in German?
While people in Germany probably don’t say Happy Oktoberfest to each other the same amount as the Americans do. The phrase is "Frohe Oktoberfest” to wish another fest-goer a happy Oktoberfest.
Grabbing an Empty Seat —Ist hier noch frei?”
If you didn’t reserve a table at any tent and find an empty seat at any table, reach out to the table at once and say politely, ‘Servus! Ist hier noch frei? ' (IST heer noh FRAY) If someone responds "Ja, gerne!" (yah, GEHR-neh) - meaning "Yes, gladly!" Congrats! You've scored a spot to enjoy the beer and food. There is another way to ask for a seat. Tell anyone at the table while smiling, “Das ist mein erstes Oktoberfest” (dahs ist mine ERSTES ok-to-ber-fest), a phrase that means “This is my first Oktoberfest,” but there is a hidden message which says “adjust the guest please!”
A Bavarian Ordering One Beer — ein Maß bitte!"
The most important Bavarian phrase for beer lovers is to speak up to the waiter, "Ein Maß bitte!" (ine MAHSS bitte), which means "One Maß, please," and get a beer Maß (a one-liter glass specifically used for serving beer at the festival). It's efficient and lets everyone know you're ready to join the fun of Oktoberfest!
Cheers to Bavarian Traditions — Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!”
Like all drinkers around the globe, Bavarians too raise their beer steins for ‘cheers.’ when you hear ‘Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!” (one, two, three, drink!), you need to raise your stein, cling against their nugs, shouting ‘Prost!’, and start chugging in. You can join some enthusiasts screaming ‘Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit’ (PRO-zit der ge-MYT-lich-keit), a toast that warms the soul, meaning "Cheers to good company and cozy times!"
To get into a friendly atmosphere, scream "die nächste Runde geht an mich!" pronounced as ‘dee NEHKS-te RUND-eh GEHT ahn meeh!’. Get ready to spend some bills because you announced, “The next round is on me.” Let's raise a glass and celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest until your inner Bavarian shouts “Ich habe einen Kater" (ih hah-beh ee-nen kah-ter), which means “I have a hangover!”
REMEMBER! Drink responsibly, or you may get on the ground hearing distant voices saying “Die Bierleichen,” which means ‘beer corpse.’
Ordering Pretzels — ein/zwei/drei Brezel bitte!"
Bavarian cuisine is famous for its delicious taste and healthy recipes. To order food at Oktoberfest, you first need to learn their names. Let’s explore the Bavarian Food Menu:
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Hendl (Hend-l): It's the famous Bavarian roasted chicken
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Schweinsbraten (SHVINE-brah-tn): Crispy roasted pork
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Weißwurst (VICE-voorst): White sausage
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Brezel (BREH-tsel): Iconic pretzel
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Steckerlfisch (SHTEK-erl-fish): Grilled fish
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Käsespätzle (KEH-ze-shpet-sle): Small cheese noodles
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Leberkäse (LEH-ber-keh-ze): Baked meatloaf
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Obatzda (OH-batz-da): Cheese spread
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Sauerbraten (SOW-er-brah-tn): Roast beef
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Dampfnudeln (DAMPF-noo-deln): Sweet dumplings
German Phrases for Washroom — Wo is’ns Haisl?”
If nature calls during the festivities, don't be shy to ask, "Wo is'ns Haisl?" (Vo iz-ins HI-zel?) This informal way of asking, "Where is the restroom?" is a natural fit for the lively Oktoberfest atmosphere. Now that you know where to go, you need to know Bavarian words for boys (Buam) and girls (Madln) to find the right toilet after a few beers at the Wies’n.
Flirting at Oktoberfest: A Bavarian Phrasebook
Oktoberfest is a time for celebration, good company, and maybe even a little romance! Here are some handy Bavarian phrases that can help you strike up a conversation and show someone you're interested in:
"Du siehst in Lederhosen/Dirndl gut aus!"
This classic compliment pronounced as “doo zeest in LEH-der-ho-zen/DIRNDL goot owS” translates to "You look good in Lederhosen/Dirndl!" (Remember, Lederhosen for men, Dirndl for women). Starting with a compliment always works!
"Du bist schön!"
If you meet a Bavarian beauty, ask her, “Du bist schön!" (doo bist shööön), which is a direct way to say, "You're beautiful!" Keep it simple and honest, and you may get a date for yourself!
"Tanzt du mit mir?”
Feeling the music? Invite someone to dance with "Tanzt du mit mir?" (TANST doo mit mir?) which translates to "Do you want to dance with me?" Make sure you know some steps before you ask her for a dance!
“Möchtest du ein Helles/Münchner Weißbier mit mir trinken?"
Sharing a drink is a classic way to connect. You can offer "Möchtest du ein Helles mit mir trinken?" (Would you like to drink a Helles with me?) for a light lager or "Möchtest du ein Münchner Weißbier mit mir trinken?" (Would you like to drink a Münchner Weißbier with me?) for a wheat beer.
“Kann ich deine Nummer haben?”
If you feel connected, be confident and say, "Kann ich deine Nummer haben?" This is a straightforward way to ask for their contact information, translating to "Can I have your number?"
Quick German Phrases for Oktoberfest Stalls
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Entschuldigung (ehn-TSHOO-ldi-goong) = Excuse me
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Wie viel kostet das? (Vee feel KOS-tet das?) = How much does this cost?
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Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SHPREH-ken zee ENG-lish?) = Do you speak English?
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Bitte (bit-te) = Please; You’re welcome!
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Danke (dahng-keh) = Thank you
Concluding Remarks!
From greetings to grabbing a beer (and a date!), you can confidently communicate in German with locals by learning a few Oktoberfest greetings. Greet a Bavarian “Griasde” to begin the chit-chat and ask “Wie heißt du?” to know his name. To enjoy a hassle-free Oktoberfest, memorizing the German terms is handy. Like ‘Servus! Ist hier noch frei?” to get a seat for yourself and “ein Maß bitte!” to get a mighty beer mug. So, take out your trip diary and note down these popular German phrases to stay connected at Oktoberfest!
