Oktoberfest Dictionary
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”.
