Bavarian Lingo: Wishing Fun In The Local Dialect

Bavarian, or Bairish, is a dialect distinct from standard German. It is primarily spoken in the region where Bavaria and Austria meet, as well as in South Tyrol in Italy. While there is no direct translation for have fun in Bavarian, the word Spaß in standard German translates to fun as a noun. Bavarians are known for their strong sense of belonging and pride in their unique dialect, and they will appreciate any effort made by foreigners to understand and speak the language.

Greeting someone

• General greeting: Še das d' kemma bisd is a friendly way to say hello.
• Mealtime greeting: Seavus, Grias god, Grias di, and Moizaid are all appropriate greetings to wish someone a good meal.
• Formal greeting: Grias god (Grüß Gott) is a formal way to greet someone, meaning "Greetings to you" or "God bless you".
• Informal greeting: Grias di (Grüß dich) is an informal greeting that can be used for everyone, regardless of age or familiarity.
• Good morning: Še das ma uns aa kenna leana is a cheerful way to greet someone in the morning.
• Good afternoon and Good evening: You can use the phrases Guadn åmd and Guad nåhd, respectively, to greet someone in the afternoon or evening.

When greeting someone in Bavarian, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you're addressing. For example, Grias god is more formal and commonly used by older generations, while Grias di is more informal and suitable for greeting people you know well.

Additionally, keep in mind that Bavarian German is a dialect distinct from standard German. It is primarily spoken in the region of Bavaria and parts of Austria, and even native German speakers may find it challenging to understand. However, Bavarians are known for their friendliness, and they will likely appreciate your efforts to communicate in their dialect.

Saying goodbye

When it comes to saying goodbye in Bavarian, there are a few options. Here are some examples:

• Seavus: This can be used as both a greeting and a farewell. It is the Bavarian version of "Servus", which is commonly used in Bavaria and Austria.
• Bfiad di: This is an informal way to say goodbye, similar to "Auf Wiedersehen" (goodbye in German). It is more personal and has the literal meaning of "see you again".
• Pfiat di: This is another informal way to bid farewell, also conveying the sentiment of "see you again". Historically, it means "God protect you".
• Af vidašaung: This is a formal way to say goodbye in Bavarian.

In addition to these phrases, there are also some general German expressions that can be used for goodbye, such as "Tschüss", "Mach's gut", and "Bis bald".

Asking how someone is

When asking how someone is in Bavarian, it's important to note the difference between formal and informal ways of greeting, similar to standard German.

In a formal setting, you can ask someone how they are with the phrase:

> Via ged's eana? (Wie geht's Ihnen?) (How are you?)

You can use a similar variation in an informal setting:

> Via ged's? (Wie geht's?) (How are you?)

Bavarian, or Bairish, is primarily spoken rather than written. Most individuals would write in Hochdeutsch (High German) even if they spoke Bavarian in everyday life.

Bavarian German doesn't have a written form, which may be due to the lack of Bavarian dialect education in schools. Additionally, many Bavarian terms are spelled phonetically rather than using official spelling.

Even in a large city like Munich, many people speak Bavarian rather than Hochdeutsch. Natives will generally switch to Hochdeutsch when they realise you're a tourist or are having trouble understanding.

So, if you're planning to stay in Bavaria for a while or travel throughout the region, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with some basic Bavarian phrases.

Saying cheers

When it comes to saying "cheers" in Bavarian, there are a few different phrases you can use. One option is to simply say "cheers" in German, which is "Prost". This is a common toast used when drinking and can be used in both informal and formal settings.

Another option is to use the phrase "Zum Wohl", which is a more formal way of saying "cheers" and translates to "to your health". This phrase is often used to wish someone good health and prosperity.

If you're looking for something more playful, you could say "Auf Ihr Wohl", which means "to your good health" and is used to celebrate and wish someone well.

Additionally, you could use the phrase "Stößchen", which is a more casual and friendly way of saying "cheers". It's often used among friends and is a fun way to celebrate.

Lastly, "Mahlzeit" is a unique Bavarian phrase that can be used to say "cheers". While it literally translates to "mealtime", it can also be used as a toast before drinking, similar to saying "cheers to a good meal".

So, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you're toasting with, you have a variety of options for saying "cheers" in Bavarian!

Saying thank you

Bavarian, a West Germanic language, is primarily spoken in Bavaria in southeast Germany, as well as in Austria and South Tyrol in Italy. It is distinct from standard German, and even native German speakers may struggle to understand it.

If you're planning to visit the region, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with some Bavarian phrases, as this will help you fit in with the locals and make your stay more enjoyable. Here are some ways to say "thank you" in Bavarian:

• Danke – This is a simple and casual way to say "thank you".
• Danke schön or Dankeschön – This is a more familiar expression of gratitude, similar to "thanks a lot" in English.
• Vielen Dank – Use this phrase when you want to express your gratitude more formally or when you are very grateful.
• Danke Vielmals – This phrase conveys a strong sense of appreciation and can be used when you are extremely grateful.
• Daungsche recht sakkrisch – This is a friendly and casual way to say "thank you" in the southern regions of Bavaria and some parts of Austria.
• Merci – In Bavarian, it is also common to say "Merci", likely influenced by the French occupation under Napoleon.
• Dang šee – This is a typical Bavarian phrase to express thanks.

Remember that the Bavarian language has many variations, so you may hear different ways to say "thank you" depending on the region you're in. Additionally, Bavarian is primarily a spoken language, and most individuals will write in Hochdeutsch (standard German) even if they speak Bavarian in their daily lives.

Frequently asked questions