The Cologne dialect, also known as Kölsch¹, is the largest dialect in the Rhineland and even in the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia. It has its own vocabulary with its own grammar and pronunciation. Even though many Cologne residents no longer have a proper command of the Kölsch language, individual words of the dialect can be heard everywhere in Cologne. You will certainly encounter influences of the Cologne dialect during your stay in the city - especially during the carnival season. In this article, we give you a brief overview of the most important terms.

¹Beware of confusion: the regional beer in Cologne is also called Kölsch.

Kölsch - origin and spread

The origins of the Cologne dialect date back to the Middle Ages. The dialect combines influences from the Latin language as well as Low German and French, as Cologne was occupied by France several times in its history.

While the dialect is often not so present in everyday life, it is spoken everywhere during the carnival season. Cologne's musicians also contribute to its spread. Many Cologne carnival songs are also known beyond the city limits.

Apart from that, the language is particularly widespread among the older generation. However, dialect courses or working groups in schools are also trying to bring the dialect closer to the younger generation.

Characteristics of the Cologne dialect

Cologne dialect differs from the German language mainly due to its softer pronunciation. The “ch” is often pronounced like an “sch”.

• Example: The german word “Kirche” (church) is spelled “Kirch” in the cologne dialect, but is pronounced “Kirsch”.

The letter “g” usually becomes a “j” in the Cologne dialect.

• Example: “gut” (good) becomes “jot”

Vocabulary

The Cologne language has a huge vocabulary, some of which differs greatly from its German counterpart. Here are just a few examples:

Kölsch	German	Englisch
Botz	Hose	pants
flöck	schnell	fast
höösch	leise, vorsichtig	quiet, careful
Kniesbüggel	geiziger Mensch	niggard
Köbes	Kellner	waiter in a cologne pub
luure	gucken, schauen	look
Pänz	Kinder	Kids
Ping	Schmerz	Pain
schwaade	reden	talk
Schnüss	Mund	mouth
Zick	Zeit	Time

The Constitution of Cologne

The number eleven has a special meaning in Cologne, especially in connection with the Cologne Carnival - the “fifth season”, which is heralded every year on 11.11 at 11.11 am. So it's no wonder that the Cologne Constitution also comprises eleven paragraphs. These “laws” are not legally binding. They can be understood as humorous wisdoms that reflect the Cologne attitude to life of tolerance and serenity.

§1 „Et es wie et es.“ – „It is what it is.“ 
§2 „Et kütt, wie et kütt.“ – „It comes as it comes.“ 
§3 „Et hätt noch immer jot jejange.“ – „Things have always gone well.“ 
§4 „Wat fott es, es fott.“ – „What's gone is gone.“ 
§5 „Et bliev nix wie et wor.“ – „Nothing stays as it was.“ 
§6 „Kenne mer nit, bruche mer nit, fott domet.“ – „We don't know it, we don't need it, get rid of it.“ 
§7 „Wat wellste maache?“ – „What do you want to do?“ 
§8 „Mach et jot ävver nit ze off.“ – „Do it well but not too often.“ 
§9 „Wat soll dä Quatsch?“ – „What is this nonsense?“ 
§10 „Drinkste eine met?“ – „Have a drink?“
§11 „Do laachste Dich kapott.“ – „You'll die laughing.“ 

With these basics of the Cologne language, you are perfectly prepared for a visit to Cologne, the home of our headquarters! 

Would you like to find out more about Cologne Carnival? Then take a look at our 1x1 of the Cologne Carnival. Or are you interested in other dialects in Germany? We also introduce you to the most important Baden terms on our blog.