Category: Language Tips
Memorial Words
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Filed in Words of the WeekArticle updated: March 6, 2026 Memorial of Jesus’ Death Words Here are a few common words that are used in Pennsylvania Dutch when talking about the Memorial of Christ’s Death (also known as ’s Ohdenkes Funn da Jesus sei Doht). The following articles may also be helpful to find phrases involving the Memorial and Jesus’…
Pronouncing z’s in Deitsh
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Filed in Language TipsHow do you pronounce the letter z in Pennsylvania Dutch words like: katz, zvay, zeit, butza, zung? Some call it a ts sound (/ts/‑like sound). It’s the same sound as the 2nd z in the English word pizza. It also appears in words like pretzel, roots. It’s also the same sound as a z in…
hohchi leit
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What does the Pennsylvania Dutch word hohchi leit mean? hohchi leit (noun) = people who are not of a Deitsh culture or background. Opposite of Deitshi leit. What does hohchi leit not mean? This is not a negative term. The person is not talking down about the other person. It is simply a way to…
pure worship
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Pure Worship (phrase) = Used for Pure Worship (of God). Literally Serve God Correctly. Meaning: To serve God in a way that He accepts and that is free from things that would defile or contaminate our worship. Instead of a noun, these phrases are used as verbs to describe worshiping and serving God in the correct way.…
Tips for Learning Pennsylvania Dutch Language
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Filed in Language TipsWant to learn a language like Pennsylvania Dutch, or continue improving? The How to Get Started page is a good place to find learning resources for learning Pennsylvania Dutch. But how do you actually learn a language? Here are some tips that have helped many people learn a new language. And the good news is,…
regret and regretted
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Regret verb = shpeida Regret noun = regret (use the English word) Regrets noun = di regrets (plural) Learn other Pennsylvania Dutch words in The Words List.
good news and bad news
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Using the English phrases good news and bad news are clear and easy to understand for native Pennsylvania Dutch speakers.
Meeting Parts Names
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Filed in Words of the WeekThe midweek meeting format was updated in January 2024. Here are the names of the sections and parts in Pennsylvania Dutch.
Time Words and Verb Order
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Filed in Language TipsWhen a sentence starts with a time word or phrase, the first verb jumps in front of the subject.
missa nett and daufa nett
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How do you say that something ‘must not’ be done in Pennsylvania Dutch? It’s ‘missa nett’…, right? Actually, it’s ‘daufa nett’. Why?