Bavarian Sayings for Everyone, Mei Herz schlogt boarisch!
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Time to read 11 min
Bavarian sayings feel like a foreign language to you? But you still want to make an impression at the next Oktoberfest? We help you brush up your Bavarian. With the following Bavarian sayings you have everyone's attention on your side and come across like a true Bavarian.
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Table of contents:
Bavarian sayings or Bairisch sayings, which is correct? What do you need Bavarian sayings for? Secure your Dirndl for the Wiesn now The most important Bavarian sayings for Oktoberfest These sayings you should avoid when flirting The best Bavarian jokes Conclusion Secure your dream Dirndl now Frequently asked questions Keep reading
Bavarian sayings or Bairisch sayings, which is correct?
First of all we want to clear things up regarding the term itself. Bairisch is the linguistic label and refers to the dialects. The Bairisch dialect is older than you might think. It even differs between Northern Bairisch, Central Bairisch and Southern Bairisch. As a vernacular, Bairisch is a living everyday language spoken from Munich all the way into the countryside.
The word Bayerisch, on the other hand, describes a geographic and political term. It covers Bavaria as a whole and therefore not only language areas but a political territory.
We have picked the best Bavarian sayings for your next visit to the Oktoberfest! From sweet to sexy to really coarse, there is something for everyone. And that is exactly why we love this dialect and above all the Bavarian sayings so much. They combine truths with irrepressible humor!
HIMMEHERRGOTTSAKRAMENTEFIX, is des schee! (Good heavens, how beautiful!)
What do you need Bavarian sayings for?
The key to a confident Bavarian appearance lies, next to a smart Dirndl, in the little things! Whether it is about the greeting or placing a beer order at the next Oktoberfest, certain Bavarian sayings simply have to be spot on! Anyone who knows the wisdom and the phrases always makes a good impression.
With the right sayings you show that you have engaged with the culture and instantly feel much more authentic on the Wiesn. The locals will appreciate it when you make the effort to speak their language.
Secure your Dirndl for the Wiesn now
The most important Bavarian sayings for Oktoberfest
You should definitely have these basics down before you venture out to the Oktoberfest. Whether on the Wiesn in Munich or at the fair in a small town: whoever knows the right sayings can join in and enjoy the evening. Careful: pronunciation counts!
Greeting: Griaß God
How are you? Wia gäts da?
Pretzel: Brezn
Enjoy your meal: An Guadn
Ordering a beer: No a Maß, biddscheen
Toast: Oans, zwoa, g'suffa!
Pardon? Wos sogsd?
Let's get to it! Pack mas!
We won't come together this young again: So jung kema nimma zam!
Admiration: Do legst di nieda.
Farewell: Pfiati
With these basics you already get pretty far and come across as much more authentic right away. Best to practice them in front of the mirror so they roll off your tongue easily.
Bavarian flirting lines, how to do it right
Of course you can flirt with Bavarian sayings! And not too shyly either. Just don't forget: stay polite. You see a pretty Madl or a fine fellow? Then go right over and speak to them! A confident appearance already does a lot. Now all that is missing is the right Bavarian saying to get their full attention!
Gehn mia miteinand wos drinkn? (Shall we go for a drink together?)
Du bisd aba schee! (You are so beautiful!)
Sacradi, bist du a feschs Derndl! (to a woman: My, you are a fine lass!)
Mei Bua, fesche Wadln host. (to a man: My boy, you've got handsome calves.)
Du hosd aba a scheenes Deandl an! (You are wearing such a beautiful Dirndl!)
Mogst a Busserl? (Would you like a kiss?)
I mog di! (I like you!)
These sayings usually go down well when you deliver them with a wink and a smile. Authenticity is the most important thing here, if you notice that the Bavarian dialect isn't your thing, better stick to standard German.
These sayings you should avoid when flirting
And because over the course of an Oktoberfest day the odd Maß gets drunk a little too quickly, we remind you of something very important! Not every good line actually goes down well. Admittedly these Bavarian sayings are damn funny, just not for the person you want to impress!
Host du vui Hoiz vor der Hüttn! (You've got a lot of wood in front of the cabin, meaning a large cleavage)
Du bist doch a bloß so schee, weil i so bsuffa bin! (You're only this beautiful because I'm so drunk!)
Also mei Lieblingstier is da Zapfhahn! (Well, my favorite animal is the beer tap!)
Di Brezn hat a so scheane Kurven wi du! (The pretzel has curves as lovely as yours!)
Warum i Single bin? Des is wia mim letztn Batzl Obazdn, a jeda wui's, aber koana traut'se. (Why am I single? It's like the last bit of Obazda, everyone wants it but no one dares.)
Behältst du mi, wenn i bis zua dia Hoam nochlaufe? (Will you keep me if I follow you all the way home?)
These sayings are funny among friends but guaranteed the wrong way if you really want to flirt. Better leave them be!
The best Bavarian jokes
Finally we have picked out our TOP 3 Bavarian jokes for you. With them you have every laugh on your side and get the attention you deserve!
Oh Bier, du edler Geist, der du mi zu Bodn reißt und reißt du mi a 10 mal nieda, i steh auf und sauf di wieda. (Oh beer, you noble spirit, you drag me to the ground, and even if you drop me ten times, I get up and drink you again.)
Auf da Deo Dosn is gstandn "Hinten eindrücken". Guad, beim Laufa duads a bissl weh, aba wenn i furz, riachts guad! (The deodorant can said "press in at the back". Well, walking hurts a bit, but when I fart, it smells good!)
"Du dei Hosndirl is offen!" "I woass, i hob Bereitschaft." ("Hey, your fly is open!" "I know, I'm on standby.")
These jokes are guaranteed to make everyone laugh and lighten up any mood. They work best when you deliver them with real Bavarian coziness.
Bavarian wisdom, more than just funny sayings
Behind many Bavarian sayings there is real wisdom. These short sentences sum up what generations of Bavarians have learned about life, work and getting along with one another.
The Bavarian expression "Mia san mia" stands for self-confidence and togetherness. Anyone who grew up in Munich or the surrounding area knows this attitude well. You do things your own way and don't let anything throw you off.
Typical Bavarian wisdom often revolves around letting go, enjoying life and what really counts. No long lamenting, no waiting around. Instead: just get on with it. This is exactly the spirit the best sayings reflect.
Bavarian toasts, cheers in Bavarian
No beer in Bavaria without a proper toast. Bavarian toasts are short, punchy and sound even better on the Wiesn than in standard German. Here come the best known ones, learn them by heart and the first sip goes down much better.
Oans, zwoa, g'suffa! (One, two, drink up!, the ultimate classic)
Prost, Brost, Klosterfrau Melissengeist, das trinkt man wenn man nüchtern ist! (Bavarian version for everyone who doesn't drink alcohol)
A Maß, a Brezn, a schöns Dirndl, mehr braucht's ned zum Glück. (A Maß, a pretzel, a beautiful Dirndl, that's all you need to be happy)
Mir san mir, und mir trinken, was mir wölln! (We are who we are, and we drink what we want)
Des Bier is ned zum Saufen do, des is zum Trinken do. (Beer isn't there to be guzzled, it's there to be enjoyed, in Bavaria that actually makes a difference)
Bier auf Wein, das lass sein, Wein auf Bier, das rat i dir! (Time-honored drinking rule in Bavarian: beer after wine, leave it be; wine after beer, that's what I advise)
So a schöner Tag, do daaf ma scho mittrinken. (Such a beautiful day, you're allowed to join in the drinking)
A good toast comes with eye contact and a broad grin. The Bavarians take this seriously, whoever looks away while clinking glasses faces, according to popular belief, seven years of bad sex.
Bavarian love sayings and wedding sayings
In Bavaria love is direct and warm, no big theatrics, but all the more feeling. These Bavarian sayings about love and weddings fit on cards, in speeches or simply when you tell someone what they mean to you.
I hob di gern, und des is ned wenig. (I'm fond of you, and that is no small thing)
Du bist mei Sonn', auch wenn's regna duad. (You are my sunshine, even when it rains)
Heit heirat's ihr, und mir freun uns mit eich! (Today you two are getting married, and we're happy for you!, for wedding speeches)
Liab is ned nur a Gfühl, Liab is a Entscheidung, jeden Tog neu. (Love is not just a feeling, love is a decision, made anew every day)
Zwa Herzen, oa Weg, so solls sei. (Two hearts, one path, that's how it should be)
Wo i bin, bist a du, des reicht. (Where I am, you are too, that is enough)
Bavarian love sayings sound best when they don't come across as too contrived. The directness is what counts, no frills, but genuine expression.
Bavarian sayings for cards and congratulations
Whether a birthday, a wedding or simply a "thank you", in Bavarian it sounds more personal. These sayings are perfect for greeting and congratulation cards.
Auf a langes Lebm und vui Gsundheit, alles Guade! (To a long life and good health, all the best!)
Herzlichen Glückwunsch auf Bayrisch: Hoid's eich fest, 's geht weida! (Congratulations in Bavarian: hold on tight, it goes on!)
A guads neies Jahr, und de Gsundheit bleib wo sie is. (A good new year, and may your health stay where it is)
Danke sagn auf Bayrisch: Vergeltsgott, des kommt vo Herzen. (Saying thanks in Bavarian: Vergelt's Gott, it comes from the heart)
Wia ma's nimmt, so is's, drum nimm's guat! (However you take it, that's how it is, so take it well!, works as a life motto on any card)
Bavarian sayings with translation, the top 20
You want Bavarian sayings with translation at a glance? Here come the 20 best known Bavarian phrases and expressions, from classic to unavoidable at the Oktoberfest.
| Bairisch | Standard German | Meaning / context |
|---|---|---|
| Griaß God | Grüß Gott | Typical Bavarian greeting |
| Servus | Hallo / Tschüss | Works as both hello and goodbye |
| Pfiati | Auf Wiedersehen | Warm farewell greeting |
| Mogst an Kaffee? | Would you like a coffee? | Friendly invitation |
| I bin narrisch! | I'm going crazy! | Expression of excitement or surprise |
| Do legst di nieda. | Well, I never / that blows me away. | Expression of deepest admiration |
| Des is mir wurscht. | I don't care. | Bavarian indifference with dignity |
| Hoid dei Pappn! | Shut your mouth! | Direct, only use among good friends |
| Bassd scho. | It's fine. | The Bavarian way of saying "all good" |
| I mog di. | I like you. | Direct affection, meant very sincerely |
| Schmarrn! | Nonsense! / Rubbish! | Expression of rejection or disbelief |
| Des hamma davon. | That's what we get. | When something goes wrong, with a shrug |
| Pack mas! | Let's get to it! | Motivational saying, gladly before the first beer |
| Gemma! | Let's go! | Short version, often shouted rather than said |
| Wia gäts da? | How are you? | Warm inquiry, a real answer is expected |
| Depp! | Fool! | Among friends meant affectionately |
| Hoam geh'n. | Going home. | The moment the last beer is empty |
| An Guadn! | Enjoy your meal! | A must before every meal in Bavaria |
| Vergeltsgott. | May God reward you / thank you. | The warmest thank you in Bavarian |
| Mei, is des schee! | My goodness, how beautiful! | Spontaneous exclamation of genuine delight |
Conclusion
With these Bavarian sayings you are perfectly prepared for your next visit to the Oktoberfest. The most important points in brief:
Learn the basics like Griaß God, No a Maß biddscheen and Pfiati
When flirting: be polite and authentic rather than suggestive
Avoid the embarrassing pick-up lines even if they are funny
Use Bavarian sayings for annoyed moments instead of getting loud
With a few good jokes you have every laugh on your side
If you are looking for your perfect Dirndl for the Wiesn, feel free to drop by our store
Secure your dream Dirndl now
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Bairisch and Bayerisch?
Bairisch refers to the linguistics and the dialects, while Bayerisch is a geographic and political term describing the federal state of Bavaria as a whole. The Bairisch dialect is spoken in Bavaria but is older than the political term.
Which Bavarian sayings should I know for the Oktoberfest?
The most important ones are Griaß God (greeting), No a Maß biddscheen (ordering a beer), Oans zwoa g'suffa (toast) and Pfiati (farewell). With these basics you already get pretty far on the Wiesn.
Can you flirt with Bavarian sayings?
Yes, absolutely! Sayings like Du bisd aba schee or Mogst a Busserl usually go down well when you deliver them with a smile. But avoid the suggestive ones, they are funny but not suited for flirting.
What does Host du vui Hoiz vor der Hüttn mean?
It literally means "you have a lot of wood in front of the cabin" and is a coarse allusion to a large cleavage. This saying is funny but definitely not suited for flirting if you seriously want to impress someone.
What is the best way to learn Bavarian sayings?
The best way is to practice the pronunciation in front of the mirror or with friends who already speak Bavarian. Start with the basics and work your way up slowly. Authenticity matters more than perfection, the Bavarians appreciate it when you make the effort.
What are typical Bavarian wisdoms?
Typical Bavarian wisdoms are short everyday sentences that get life's cleverness right to the point. Well known examples are "Schau ma moi" (we'll see) or "Mia san mia" (we are who we are). They reflect the down-to-earth and easygoing attitude of the Bavarians.
Which Bavarian sayings fit Munich best?
In Munich, sayings around the Oktoberfest are especially popular: "Oans, zwoa, g'suffa!" for toasting or "Obacht" as a warning. But general expressions like "Griaß God" for greeting or "Servas" for farewell are typically Munich as well.
How does the Bavarian dialect differ from the vernacular?
The Bavarian dialect is the umbrella term for the spoken Bairisch across all of Bavaria. Vernacular refers to the regionally colored everyday language on the ground, for example the Munich or the Lower Bavarian variety. Both terms are often used synonymously but are not quite the same.
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