It can be overwhelming to start learning any new language.
Find links to the resources and tools you need to get started learning Pennsylvania Dutch—based on your goal.
Learn the Basics
Start with Pennsylvania Dutch greetings, introductions, and everyday phrases with audio.
Learn the Language
Build Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary, pronunciation, flashcards, and grammar step-by-step.
Start here
Learn 10 greetings with audio in about 10 minutes
A| Learn the Basics
Learn Greetings & Phrases With Audio
Start with greetings, introductions, and everyday phrases with audio.
Beginner Plan: Your First Month
B| Learn the Language
Explore Resources
Start here
Learn 10 greetings with audio in about 10 minutes
Get a Dictionary
Get the Pennsylvania Dutch Dictionary
Dictionary includes many of the most common words used by native Deitsh speakers of Pennsylvania German (also known as Pennsylvania Dutch). Download PDF or as an app for Android and iOS.
Modern Pennsylvania Dutch Words
The Words List is an addition to the Pennsylvania German / Pennsylvania Dutch dictionary. Updated with words used by native speakers, with examples and audio to show how to use them.
Learn to Pronounce Words
Read and listen to Pennsylvania Dutch phrases, articles, and audio.
Even though Pennsylvania Dutch is spelled phonetically, it’s still important to make sure you know how to pronounce words and sounds correctly.
Read & Follow Along
Listen to Pennsylvania Dutch audio recordings, videos, and songs and follow along with articles (jw.org/pdc)
Bonus resources: Spelling Words in Pennsylvania Dutch
- Learn how and why Pennsylvania Dutch is spelled the way it is
- New spelling changes for borrowed English words
Build Vocabulary Using Flashcards
Words are the ingredients for your sentences and conversations. Flashcards make it easier to learn, review, and remember.
Learn and practice common phrases with flashcards and audio on Deitsh.com.
Option A: Use pre-made Flashcards
Learn and practice common Pennsylvania Dutch phrases with flashcards and audio (no download needed)
The Words List
Look up modern Pennsylvania Dutch words that are commonly used by native speakers. Includes example sentences and audio.
💡Want to really boost your vocab?
Download, print, and fill out 625 of the most common words. It will help you know which words to focus on when making flashcards.
Learn Grammar: Learn how to Put Sentences together
Sentences in Pennsylvania Dutch are put together differently than in English. Getting to know the basics like sentence structure is important. These books and guides will teach you the basics.
Pennsylvania Dutch Worksheets & Lesson Guides
Interactive Worksheets
Learn by doing. Tap to watch how sentences and words change in Pennsylvania Dutch as you pick different options.
Language Lessons
Bite-sized Pennsylvania Dutch language tips and lessons to improve your conversations and understanding.
Pennsylvania Dutch Grammar Books
Pennsylvania German Basic Grammar Book
Pennsylvania Dutch grammar and language textbook in print and PDF from deitshbooks.com
Vella Bessah Deitsh Shvetza (2024)
Guide to Pennsylvania German Grammar and Speech
Pennsylvania Dutch grammar textbook is good for beginners and advanced learners.
C| Keep Learning
Have you been speaking Pennsylvania Dutch for a while? Want to keep learning?
Daily Learning
Having a daily plan to learn a new language will help you keep making progress. Learn what has helped others learn a new language.
Learn New Words
The Words List is updated regularly with words and phrases used by native speakers. Includes example sentences.