Oktoberfest has its own language, a mix of Bavarian dialect and German terms, that can seem like a mystery to outsiders. Our guide is here to help you decipher the lingo and help you get by at Oktoberfest this year.
- Wiesn: This is the local name for Oktoberfest. It’s short for Theresienwiese, the field in Munich where Oktoberfest is held.
- Maß (or Mass): This is a one-liter glass beer mug used at Oktoberfest. When you order a beer at Oktoberfest, you’re ordering a Maß!
- Dirndl: A traditional Bavarian dress worn by women. It consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron.
- Lederhosen: Traditional Bavarian leather shorts worn by men. They often come with suspenders and are typically decorated with embroidery.
- Brezel: The German word for “pretzel.” These are large, soft pretzels that are often enjoyed with beer.
- Prost!: The German word for “Cheers!” When clinking glasses at Oktoberfest, this is the word to use.
- O’zapft is!: Translated as “It’s tapped!” This is the traditional phrase shouted by the Mayor of Munich when the first keg is tapped to open Oktoberfest.
- Blasmusik: Brass band music. You’ll hear a lot of it at Oktoberfest, with traditional Bavarian tunes being played.
- Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle. A popular and hearty dish often enjoyed at Oktoberfest.
- Bierzelte: Beer tents. There are 14 large and 20 smaller tents at Oktoberfest, each offering a unique experience.
- Krug: The traditional stoneware beer mug used at Oktoberfest.
- Weinzelt: The wine tent at Oktoberfest. While beer is the main attraction, wine lovers can also find something to enjoy here.
- Hendl: Roast chicken. Another popular food item at Oktoberfest.
- Lebkuchenherz: Gingerbread hearts. These are decorative cookies often worn around the neck and can have sweet messages written in icing.
- Schlagermusik: A type of popular German music. You’ll often hear this type of music being played at various tents.
- Radler: A mix of beer and lemonade, a refreshing drink option.
- Gemütlichkeit: A German term that’s hard to translate directly. It means a combination of coziness, friendliness, and good cheer.
- Trachten: Traditional Bavarian clothing, which includes both Dirndls and Lederhosen.
- Festzelt Traditionell: This is the tent where traditional brass band music is played, and it’s one of the places where you can still see traditional customs being practiced.
- Kufflers Weinzelt: If you’re looking for something other than beer, this tent serves wine and champagne.
- Schützen-Festzelt: This tent is known for its traditional crossbow shooting competition.
- Steckerlfisch: Grilled fish on a stick, another popular food item at Oktoberfest.
- Weißbier: A Bavarian wheat beer. Lighter and slightly cloudy in appearance with a fruity aroma.
- Volkstanz: Traditional Bavarian folk dancing. You might see performances at Oktoberfest.
- Rosenverkäuferinnen: Rose sellers who move through the tents offering roses to patrons.
- Kinderparadies: An area for children, which translates to “Children’s Paradise.” Oktoberfest is family-friendly, especially during daytime hours.
- Fahrgeschäfte: Fairground rides. Oktoberfest isn’t just about beer and food; there’s also a fairground with rides ranging from traditional carousels to modern thrill rides.
- Bierkönigin: Beer Queen. A ceremonial title given to a woman representing the beer industry.
- Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit: A popular toast song played in the beer tents. The refrain “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit” is followed by cheers and toasting.
- Wiesn-Hit: Each year, there’s an unofficial song of Oktoberfest, known as the Wiesn-Hit. It’s the song that becomes most popular and is played most frequently in the tents.
- Wiesn-Krug: The official Oktoberfest mug, which changes design every year.
- Teufelsrad: A traditional funfair game where participants try to stay on a spinning platform as long as possible.
- Bierleichen: Literally translates to “beer corpses.” It’s a humorous term for people who’ve had a bit too much to drink and are taking a nap on the festival grounds.
- Fischsemmel: A fish sandwich, another food option available.
- Dosenwerfen: A popular game where you throw balls at stacks of cans, trying to knock them down.
- Wiesn-Grippe: A term for the cold or flu that some people catch after spending days at the Oktoberfest, likely due to the mix of weather, alcohol, and large crowds.
- Riesenrad: The giant Ferris wheel, a landmark of Oktoberfest and a great way to get a view of the entire festival.
- Trachtenschmuck: Traditional Bavarian jewelry often worn with Dirndls.
- Fliegender Teppich: A flying carpet ride, one of the many attractions at the festival.
- Schunkeln: A tradition where people link arms and sway from side to side to the music.
Is there anything we’ve missed? If so, please let us know through the comments below and we’ll add it to the page.