Learn the Essential German Words for Oktoberfest

German is easier than you might think…

Let’s have a look at a few of the most important words that will help you to find your way around at the Oktoberfest or to impress your guests.

Bayern

German name for Bavaria. It is the largest of the 16 German States (Bundesländer), with Munich (München) as its capital.

Servus

Hello and good bye in Bavarian.

Prost

German for “cheers”. Another expression for “Prost” is “Zum Wohl” which means to your health.

(das) Bierzelt

Beer tent. There are 34 tents at the Oktoberfest; 14 large ones and 20 small ones.

(der) Bierkrug

A beer mug or stein.

(das) Hendl

Bavarian for chicken. Roasted chicken is one of the most popular dishes at the Oktoberfest.

(das) Madl

Bavarian for “girl”, in German “Mädchen”.

(die) Gaudi

A lot of fun.

(das) Bier

Beer – If you want to order a beer you would say: Ein Bier, bitte! (A beer, please!)

O’zapft is

Bavarian expression, meaning ‘It’s Tapped’.

(die) Wiesn

The Bavarian name for Oktoberfest event location.

(das) Dirndl

Traditional German dress, it also means “girl” in Bavarian.

(die) Brezel

A soft pretzel. In Bavarian dialect called Brezn.

(die) Lederhose

Leather trousers, particularly popular in Bavaria.

(der) Bua

Bavarian word for “boy”. The German word is “Junge”.

(das) Bussi

Bavarian word for “kiss”. The German word is “Kuss”.