Oktoberfest Dictionary
Learn the Essential German Words for OktoberfestGerman 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.
(das) Bier
Beer – If you want to order a beer you would say: Ein Bier, bitte! (A beer, please!)
Servus
Hello and good bye in Bavarian.
O’zapft is
Bavarian expression, meaning ‘it’s tapped’. Read more about that custom in the Culteretainment section.
Prost
German for “cheers”. Another expression for “Prost” is “Zum Wohl” which means to your health.
(die) Wiesn
The Bavarian name for Oktoberfest event location.
(das) Bierzelt
Beer tent. There are 34 tents at the Oktoberfest; 14 large ones and 20 small ones.
(das) Dirndl
Traditional German dress, it also means “girl” in Bavarian.
(der) Bierkrug
A beer mug or stein.
(die) Brezel
A soft pretzel. In Bavarian dialect called Brezn.
(das) Hendl
Bavarian for chicken. Roasted chicken is one of the most popular dishes at the Oktoberfest.
(die) Lederhose
Leather trousers, particularly popular in Bavaria.
(das) Madl
Bavarian for “girl”, in German “Mädchen”.
(der) Bua
Bavarian word for “boy”. The German word is “Junge”.
(die) Gaudi
A lot of fun.
(das) Bussi
Bavarian word for “kiss”. The German word is “Kuss”.
