Bavarian sayings for everyone - Mei Herz schlogt boarisch!
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Time to read 9 min
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Time to read 9 min
Bavarian sayings feel like a foreign language to you? But you still want to impress with your appearance at the next Oktoberfest? We'll help you brush up on your Bavarian knowledge. With the following Bavarian sayings, you'll have all eyes on you and seem like a true Bavarian.
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Table of Contents:
First of all, we want to clarify the actual term. 'Bairisch' is the term used in linguistics and refers to dialects. The Bairisch dialect is older than one might assume. Furthermore, it even differs between Northern Bairisch, Central Bairisch, and Southern Bairisch.
The word 'Bayerisch,' on the other hand, describes a geographical and political term. It encompasses Bavaria as a whole, and thus not only language areas but also a political territory.
We've selected the best Bavarian sayings for your next visit to Oktoberfest! From sweet to sexy to downright cheeky, we've got it all. And that's exactly why we appreciate this dialect so much, and especially the Bavarian sayings. They combine truths with boundless humor!
HIMMEHERRGOTTSAKRAMENTEFIX – is des schee!
The be-all and end-all for a confident Bavarian appearance lies, besides a stylish Dirndl, in the little things! Whether it's about greeting someone or placing a beer order at the next Oktoberfest, certain Bavarian sayings just have to be right!
With the right sayings, you show that you've engaged with the culture and will immediately feel much more authentic at the Wiesn. The locals will appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language.
These basics you should definitely know before you venture to Oktoberfest:
Greeting: Griaß God
How are you? Wia gäts da?
Pretzel: Brezn
Enjoy your meal: An Guadn
Ordering beer: No a Maß, biddscheen
Toast: Oans, zwoa, g'suffa!
Excuse me? Wos sogsd?
Let's get started! Pack mas!
We won't be this young again: So jung kema nimma zam!
Admiration: Do legst di nieda.
Farewell greeting: Pfiati
With these basics, you'll go a long way and appear much more authentic. It's best to practice them in front of the mirror so they roll off your tongue easily.
Of course, you can flirt with Bavarian sayings! And not too shyly. Just don't forget: Stay polite. Do you see a beautiful girl or a handsome guy? Then go for it and approach them! A confident demeanor already goes a long way. Now all you need 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 beautiful!)
Sacradi, bist du a feschs Derndl! (To a woman)
Mei Bua, fesche Wadln host. (To a man)
Du hosd aba a scheenes Deandl an! (You are wearing a beautiful Dirndl!)
Mogst a Busserl? (Would you like a kiss?)
I mog di! (I like you!)
These sayings are usually well-received if you deliver them with a wink and a smile. Authenticity is key here – if you notice that the Bavarian dialect doesn't suit you, it's better to stick to standard German.
And because during an Oktoberfest day one or the other Maß might be drunk too quickly, we remind you of something very important! Not every good saying is actually well-received. Admittedly, these Bavarian sayings are damn funny, just not for the person you want to impress!
Host du vui Hoiz vor der Hüttn! (You have a lot of wood in front of the hut – meaning a large décolletage)
Du bist doch a bloß so schee, weil i so bsuffa bin! (You're only so beautiful because I'm so drunk!)
Also mei Lieblingstier is da Zapfhahn! (So my favorite animal is the beer tap!)
Di Brezn hat a so scheane Kurven wi du! (The pretzel has curves as beautiful as yours!)
Why am I single? It's like the last bit of Obazda – everyone wants it, but no one dares to take it. (Why am I single? It's like the last piece of Obazda – everyone wants it, but no one dares to take it.)
Will you keep me if I run home to you? (Will you keep me if I run home to you?)
These pick-up lines are funny among friends, but definitely the wrong way to go if you really want to flirt. Better leave them out!
Finally, we've picked out our TOP 3 Bavarian jokes for you again. With these, you'll have every laugh on your side and get the attention you deserve!
Oh beer, you noble spirit, who pulls me down and even if you knock me down 10 times, I'll get up and drink you again.
It said on the deodorant can "Press in the back". Well, it hurts a bit when walking, but when I fart, it smells good!
"Your Lederhosen fly is open!" "I know, I'm on call."
These jokes are guaranteed to make everyone laugh and lighten any mood. They work best when you deliver them with genuine Bavarian coziness.
With these Bavarian sayings, you'll be perfectly prepared for your next visit to the Oktoberfest. The most important things summarized briefly:
Learn the basics like Griaß God, No a Maß biddscheen, and Pfiati
When flirting: Be polite and authentic instead of suggestive
Avoid 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'll have every laugh on your side
If you're looking for your perfect Dirndl for the Wiesn, feel free to stop by our store
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'Bairisch' refers to linguistics and dialects, while 'Bayerisch' is a geopolitical term describing the federal state of Bavaria as a whole. The Bavarian dialect is spoken in Bavaria but is older than the political term.
The most important ones are Griaß God (greeting), No a Maß biddscheen (ordering a beer), Oans zwoa g'suffa (drinking toast), and Pfiati (farewell). With these basics, you'll get pretty far at the Wiesn.
Yes, absolutely! Sayings like 'Du bisd aba schee' (You are beautiful) or 'Mogst a Busserl' (Would you like a kiss) are usually well-received when delivered with a smile. However, avoid suggestive sayings – they might be funny, but not suitable for flirting.
This literally means 'You have a lot of wood in front of the hut' and is a crude allusion to a large décolletage. While this saying is funny, it's definitely not suitable for flirting if you seriously want to impress someone.
The best way is to practice pronunciation in front of a mirror or with friends who already speak Bavarian. Start with the basics and work your way up slowly. Authenticity is more important than perfection – Bavarians appreciate it when you make an effort.
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No beer in Bavaria without a proper toast. Bavarian drinking toasts are short, punchy and sound even better at the Oktoberfest than in standard German. Learn these by heart and the first sip will taste twice as good.
Oans, zwoa, g'suffa! (One, two, down the hatch! – The ultimate classic)
A Maß, a Brezn, a schöns Dirndl – mehr braucht's ned zum Glück. (A litre of beer, a pretzel, a beautiful Dirndl – that's all you need for happiness)
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. (The beer isn't here to be gulped, it's here to be savoured – Bavarians take this distinction seriously)
Bier auf Wein, das lass sein – Wein auf Bier, das rat i dir! (Beer after wine, leave it be – wine after beer, that's what I'd say: the old Bavarian drinking rule)
So a schöner Tag – do daaf ma scho mittrinken. (Such a beautiful day – you're allowed to join in for a drink)
A good toast comes with eye contact and a proper grin. In Bavaria, looking away while clinking glasses is said to bring seven years of bad luck. You have been warned.
Love in Bavaria is direct and heartfelt – no drama, but all the more genuine. These Bavarian sayings about love and marriage work on greeting cards, in speeches or simply when you want to tell someone what they mean to you.
I hob di gern – und des is ned wenig. (I'm fond of you – and that's 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 they're getting married – and we celebrate with you! – perfect 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's enough)
Birthday, wedding or just a simple thank you – in Bavarian dialect it sounds more personal. These phrases are perfect for greeting cards and good wishes.
Auf a langes Lebm und vui Gsundheit – alles Guade! (To a long life and lots of health – all the best!)
Hoid's eich fest, 's geht weida! (Hold on tight, onward we go! – Bavarian way of saying congratulations)
A guads neies Jahr – und de Gsundheit bleib wo sie is. (A good new year – and may good health stay right where it is)
Vergeltsgott – des kommt vo Herzen. (Thank you from the heart – the most genuine way to say thank you in Bavaria)
Wia ma's nimmt, so is's – drum nimm's guat! (It all depends on how you take it – so take it well! – a timeless Bavarian motto for any occasion)
Want Bavarian sayings with translation at a glance? Here are the 20 most well-known Bavarian expressions – from timeless classics to Oktoberfest essentials.
| Bavarian Dialect | German / English | Meaning / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Griaß God | Hello / Good day | The standard Bavarian greeting |
| Servus | Hi / Bye | Works for both hello and goodbye |
| Pfiati | Goodbye | Warm farewell |
| I bin narrisch! | I'm going crazy! | Expression of excitement or disbelief |
| Do legst di nieda. | You fall over / You can't believe it | Deepest admiration or amazement |
| Des is mir wurscht. | I don't care. | Bavarian indifference – with dignity |
| Bassd scho. | It's alright. / No worries. | The Bavarian way of saying everything's fine |
| I mog di. | I like you. | Direct affection – genuinely meant |
| Schmarrn! | Nonsense! | Dismissal – or disbelief |
| Pack mas! | Let's go! / Let's do this! | Battle cry before the first beer |
| Gemma! | Let's go! | Short version – usually shouted |
| Wia gäts da? | How are you? | A genuine question – real answer expected |
| Depp! | Idiot! | Among friends it's a term of endearment |
| An Guadn! | Enjoy your meal! | Mandatory before every meal in Bavaria |
| Vergeltsgott. | Thank you very much. | The most heartfelt thank you in Bavarian |
| Mei, is des schee! | My, how beautiful! | Spontaneous genuine delight |
| Hoid dei Pappn! | Shut your mouth! | Very direct – only with close friends |
| Hoam geh'n. | Going home. | The moment the last beer is empty |
| Des hamma davon. | That's what we get for it. | When something goes wrong – with a shrug |
| Wia ma's nimmt, so is's. | It's all in how you take it. | Timeless Bavarian life philosophy |