Pennsylvania Dutch — known to its speakers as Pennsylvania Deitsh — is one of the oldest continuously spoken heritage languages in North America. Despite centuries of pressure from English, two World Wars of anti-German sentiment, and no support from continued immigration, it remains very much alive. This site is the story of where it came from, how it changed, and why it endures.
The site is divided into three sections, each focused on a different piece of that story. Read in order, or jump to whichever interests you most.
The People
Who the Pennsylvania Dutch are, where they came from in Europe, why they are called "Dutch" when they aren't, and the cultural divide between the Plain and the Fancy.
Read → Section IIThe Language
How a brand-new dialect was built in the cornfields of colonial Pennsylvania — its grammar, its vocabulary, its quirks, and its fingerprints on American English.
Read → Section IIIThe Language Today
The 20th-century decline that should have killed the language, the Plain communities that saved it, and why linguists believe there will be more speakers in 2050 than there are today.
Read →Words you may already know
Even outside the speech communities, Pennsylvania Dutch has left fingerprints on the regional English of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond. A few you may recognize:
- spritzto sprinkle or spray
- schnickelfritza mischievous child
- rutschto slide or fidget
- dippy eggseggs with runny yolks
- "the pie is all"the pie is all gone
- "outen the lights"turn off the lights
Ready to dig in? Start with The People →