Would you like to learn how to speak and understand Pennsylvania Dutch (German)?
You can find Deitsh language learning resources on this site like lesson guides, interactive worksheets, and even a Pennsylvania Dutch Words List (dictionary).
Pennsylvania Dutch (Deitsh)* is the language spoken by many Amish, Mennonites, and Deitshi-leit in the United States in their homes and communities.
* Pennsylvania Dutch, Deitsh, Pennsylvania German, PA German, and Penn German are all names for the same language.
Where to Start Learning Pennsylvania Dutch?
How do I get started learning Pennsylvania Dutch? The new Getting Started Guide will give you links to what you need to start learning Pennsylvania Dutch—based on your goals.
Language Resources
Bite-sized Pennsylvania Dutch language learning tips and grammar guides to help improve speaking and understanding Pennsylvania Dutch. Learn Pennsylvania Dutch by doing with interactive grammar worksheets.
The Words List Dictionary
The Words List is a Pennsylvania Dutch dictionary and glossary that contains modern and commonly used words and phrases as spoken by native speakers of Pennsylvania Dutch.
Latest Pennsylvania Dutch Lesson Guides
- Memorial WordsMemorial (or ’S Ohdenkes) Words Here are a few common words that are used when talking about the Memorial of Christ’s Death (also known as ’s Ohdenkes or ’s Nachtmohl). These articles may also be helpful to find phrases involving the Memorial and Jesus’ death:
- Meeting Parts NamesThe midweek meeting format was updated in January 2024. Here are the names of the sections and parts in Pennsylvania Dutch.
- Time Words and Verb OrderWhen a sentence starts with a time word or phrase, the first verb jumps in front of the subject.
- missa nett and daufa nettHow do you say that something ‘must not’ be done in Pennsylvania Dutch? It’s ‘missa nett’…, right? Actually, it’s ‘daufa nett’. Why?
- patient and geduldichWhen do you use patient and geduldich in Pennsylvania Dutch? When would you use patience and geduld?
- Figures of Speech: Walking and RunningPennsylvania Dutch uses some figures of speech that involve walking and running that are similar to English — how are they different?