Oktoberfest   /   October 06, 2016

Oktoberfest Phrases You Have To Know

We aren’t just an exact replica of the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Our authenticity goes beyond the exterior to the language you may hear at the original Oktoberfest, also in Munich. Here are a few words and phrases you may hear while at our Haus during the world’s biggest beer party.

Oktoberfest Attire

Dirndl: (Dern-dull) The traditional German dress you’ll see on our lovely hostesses and waitresses, as well as guests who love to get into the spirit of Oktoberfest. They are known for their asset-enhancing powers.

Lederhosen: (Lay-der-hose-in) This literally translates to “leather pants.” You’ll see a lot of men sport these trendy trousers in all kinds of styles (just check out our band!)

For more history behind the fashion of Oktoberfest, check out this blog post

Fest Food & Drink

Guten Appetit!: (goo-ten app-a-teet) How we at the Haus say wish you bon appetite.

Noch ein Bier, bitte: (nock ine beer bit-a) You’ll definitely want to commit this to memory; it’s how you ask for “Another beer, please!”

Prost!: (Prōst) If you’ve ever been to our Haus you’ve definitely heard this term more than once. This is how we say, “Cheers!” In the commands form our bands you’ll also hear ein Prosit which means “a toast.”

Brezen: (Bray-tsun) Pretzel. There’s no shortage of these twisted traditions that we import straight from Germany to you.

Cheers, Chants and Dances

Remember how we mentioned the commands of our band? These are other terms you may hear from others who take the stage, including our celebrity keg tappers.

O’zapft is!: (Ō-tsapft is) literally means “It’s tapped!”. This is the opening cheer when the first keg is tapped, kicking off Oktoberfest. See what leads up to this important declaration at Munich’s Oktoberfest here. 

Schunkeln: (Shoon-kulln) It’s the ideal drinking “dance” because you don’t even have to stand up! Just stay seated and when the Schunkeln song comes on, lock arms with your neighbor and sway side to side.

Eins, zwei, drei: (ines tsvy dry) “One, two, three” You’ll hear this a lot, like at the start of our stein-holding contests. Here’s how to get really legit and count with your fingers in German: one is the thumb, two is thumb and forefinger, and three is thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.

Oans, zwoa, g’suffa!: (ōnns tswō g’zoo-fa) “One, two, drink up!” Enough said.

Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi!: (tsick-a tsack-a, tsick-a tsack-a, hoy hoy hoy) Another common band call-out, usually followed by Prost! and a hearty chug of beer.

Now that you’re privy to some of the lingo, come practice at our Haus! If there’s any more you’d like fellow beer lovers to know, please share in the comments below!