Pennsylvania Dutch Idioms and Expressions

Words that truly express ideas

As we go along, we will include some phrases and expressions that have found their way into our speaking and the way we speak.  Many of these words are of the past, and in many ways, how some people talk in some localities.  We collect and present these idioms and expressions phonetically.  Our goal is for many people who will understand and some have heard them at some time or the other.

Pennsylvania “Deutsch” (German) words

• My husband – he always had such a good abedit (appetite) but now he don’t fress (eat) much anymore.  (More with Penn. Dutch words...)
  

• Many of the English phrases are direct translations from the German into English.