Category: Language Tips
-
Time Words and Verb Order
When a sentence starts with a time word or phrase, the first verb jumps in front of the subject.
-
missa nett and daufa nett
How 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 geduldich
When do you use patient and geduldich in Pennsylvania Dutch? When would you use patience and geduld?
-
Figures of Speech: Walking and Running
Pennsylvania Dutch uses some figures of speech that involve walking and running that are similar to English — how are they different?
-
shpringa and shprenga
What’s the difference between the Deitsh words shpringa and shprenga? Both of the words shpringa and shprenga are verbs (action words) that mean to run. Shpringa verb = to run (as in movement, or to work and function) Shprenga verb = to run (as in to operate something else) ℹ See also the Pennsylvania Dutch…
-
Daviess County, Indiana
If you travel to Daviess County or meet someone from here, the first thing that will stand out is their strong southern accent. But you will also notice some other differences.
-
yau and yo
There’s more that one way to say ‘yes’ in Pennsylvania Dutch. Learn how and when to use ‘yau’ and ‘yo’.
-
-
mayna, ohgukka, da view
All 3 words mean ‘view’ in English, but how do you use mayna, ohgukka, and da view?
-
Using Genders with Inanimate Objects
Using a metaphorical gender is when you talk about an object as if it was a man or a woman.