PA Dutch 101

Well, nau sin mir im Yuni odder Tschunn ass viel Deitsche saage. Es macht nix aus was du saagscht, entweder Yuni odder Tschunn…der sexde Munet. Fer des Yuni will ich […]

The post Der Yuni! appeared first on PA Dutch 101.

Die Welt heitzudaage iss unnerscht ewwerscht. Sell iss fer schurr. Es gebt Grieg in Ukraine, iwwerhaapt ken Fried in Gaza un in Israel, extreme Recht Bolitische Parties gewinne meh un meh Schtimme. Was kann mer duh? Leit greische uff enanner, Leit saage viel Liege, Armut iss hoch, viel Leit hen ken Haus odder Blatz zu schloofe. Wann epper vun de annere bolitikal Seit iss, iss er odder sie der Feind. Unrecht regiert. Was kann mer duh? Viel Leit gwaele, viel Leit kenne net recht schloofe. Viel Leit hen alde Freinde un aa Freindschaft verlore. Was kann mer duh?

Letscht Woch waar ich widder am Aryle in mei Karrich am schpiele. Mir hen en neies Lied gsunge die heesst: “Bau en lenger Disch.” Die Wadde sin vun dem David Bjornlin gschriwwe. Ass ich es Lied gschpielt hab un die Leit in die Karrich die Wadde gsunge hen, waar ich mit viel verschiddliche Gfiehle iwwerkumme. Was kann mer duh in unsre Welt? Die Wadde vun sellem Lied saage uns graad was mir duhne kenne.

Bau en lenger Disch, net en heecher Wand,
Fied die die hungere, mach Blatz fer all.
Schmaus zamme, Fremmer waerrd en Freind,
Grischt verbrecht Wend; falsche Verdeelunge ende.

Bau en sichere Zuflucht, net en greessere Tscheel;
Wu die Schwache Schutz finne, Barmhatzichkeit waerrd net fehle.
Fer eenicher Blatz wu Gerechdichkeit abgelehnt iss,
Grischt waerrd die Tscheel bruche, macht All die drin sin frei.

Bau en breedere Dierweg net en lengere Fens.
Lieb schutzt all Leit, verschunt ken Koschde.
Wann mir Mitleid umarme meh ass Faricht,
Grischt reisst unsere Fense nunner: all sin do willkumm.

Liewe Leit, pick ee Ding vun des Lied, un browier es selle Woch zu duh. Vielleicht zamme kenne mir unsre Welt en bessere Blatz mache un fer Unrecht fechde mit Lieb un net Hass.

Do iss en Audio Klip:

The world today is upside down. That is for sure. There is war in Ukraine, no peace at all in Gaza and in Israel, extreme right-wing political parties are winning more and more votes. What can one do? People yell at each other, people tell so many lies, poverty is high, many people do not have a house or a place to sleep. If someone is from the other side of the political spectrum, he or she is the enemy. Injustice reigns. What can one do? Many people worry, many people can not sleep. Many people have lost old friends and even relatives. What can one do?

Last week I was back playing the organ in my church. We sang a new hymn that was named “Build a longer table.” The lyrics were written by David Bjornlin. As I played the song and the people in church sang the words, I was overcome with many different emotions. What can one do in our world? The words from this song tells us exactly what we can do.

Build a longer table, not a higher wall,
Feeding those who hunger, making room for all.
Feasting together, stranger turns to friend,
Christ breaks walls to pieces; false divisions end.

Build a safer refuge, not a larger jail;
Where the weak find shelter, mercy will not fail.
For any place where justice is denied,
Christ will breach the jail wall, freeing all inside. 

Build a broader doorway not a longer fence.
Love protects all people, sparing no expense.
When we embrace compassion more than fear,
Christ tears down our fences: all are welcome here.

Dear people, pick one thing from the song, and try doing it for a week. Maybe together we can make our world a better place and counter injustice with love and not hate.

Ass viel vun eich schunn wisst, mariye, der zwette Hanning, iss en abaddicher Daag fer uns Deitsche un fer en gleene Schteddel in Naddwescht Pennsylvaania. Ya, mariye iss Grundsaudaag. Frieh am Mariye in Punxsatawney, der Phil, die gut bekannte Grundsau, waerr aus seim Loch rauskumme un saag uns sei Wedder Vorherrsaage. All die Media, mit viel Kameras, un dausend vun Leit waerre aa datt sei um ihn zu sehne. Der Phil iss warricklich so en Celebrity. Eb ee paar Woch hawwich die Leit in Punxsatawney gschriwwe ob ich der Phil interviewe kennt. Zum Glick hen sie “YA” gsaat, un selles Woch hawwich via Zoom en Interview mit dem Phil ghatt. Do iss was mir driwwe gschwetzt hen:

Guder Mariye Phil! Ich bin so froh mit dir zu schwetze. Loss mich so aafange: wie waar dei Winderschlof?

Ya, guder Mariye! ‘Sis en grosse Blessier mit dir aa zu schwetze! Ich les dei Blog un gleicht es arrig viel…un dei YouTube Channel iss aa arrig gut. Ya, mei Winderschloof waar gut awwer wie immer, zu katz. Bevor ich in mei Loch gegraddelt bin, hawwich en grosse Party mit all mei Freinde ghatt, wie immer. En grosse Fan aus Lebanon hot mir letschdes Yaahr en scheener Blaenket genaeht un hot es zu mir zerick in Oktower gschickt. Ich hab sell des Winder geyuust un man waar es warm. So ich muss Gross Dank an die Verna Kellerfeich saage!

Letschdes Yaahr hot dir Recht ghatt. Congrats, awwer was saagscht du zu re Leit die saage: “Der weess gar net was er duht.”

Was kann ich saage? Es waerr allsfatt Unglaawiger gewwe. Ich kann duhe yuscht was ich duhe kannscht. Ich saag es Wedder wie ich es find. Wann Leit denke as ich dumm bin odder ass ich net weess was ich saage, so iss es. Ich weess ass es gebt viel Leit die nemme was ich saage ass die Waahrheit un sell iss gut genunk fer mich. Ich daet aa saage ass die Leit die net glaawe, sie sin arrig Willkumm dohie zu kumme un mei Tschopp fer ee Yaahr mache. ‘Sis net leicht! Awwer die waerre sell net aa duh. Manniche Leit gleiche yuscht zu grexe. So iss es un so waerr es allsfatt sei!

Was denkscht du vun all die Science ass mir nau hawwe fer Wedder vorherrzusaage?

Ya, dihr Mensche sin arrig weit mit Technology kumme. Awwer, mannichmol sin die alde Wege graad so gut, wann aa net besser, ass die neie Wege, gell? Ich brauch ken Radar odder Digital Kaarte fer mei Tschopp zu duh. Ich kann mei Antwatt in mei Gnoche fiehle….un mer soll unser Gnoche net iwwergucke. Dihr hett viel Technology, awwer ich froog eich: mache die Weddermannsleit ab un zu Fehler? Fer dausend vun Yaahre hemmer soddiche Technology net gewwe un mir hen iwwerlebt.

Hoscht du Blanne fer der Summer?

Well, ich hoff so. Ich will mit der Fraa uff en Cruise geh. Fer die letsche paar Yaahre hawwich Commercials fer die Pennsylvaania Lottery gemacht. Sie hen mich zimmlich gut dafer bezaahlt. So ich denk ‘sis Zeit ee paar Dallers auszugewwe. Im Moi gehne mir nooch Florida un dann uff en grosse Boot in die Caribbean fer 10 Daage! Dann in Tschulei will ich mei Cousin in Nadd Dakota bsuche. Er wuhnt net so weit Weg vun en grosse Schteddel vun Prairie Dogs. In Tschulei gebt es en grosse Myusik Fescht datt un ich will es sehne. Mei Cousin saagt yedes Yaahr ass ich datthie gehne soll, so endlich des Yaahr duh ich. Es soll gut sei, awwer sell iss en langi Faahrt. 

Du bischt en Symbol fer Pennsylvaania un aa fer uns Deitsche, wie fiehlscht du dich iwwer sell?

Ya, ich bin. Weesscht du, normally wann ich rauskumm, ‘sis wie en Blitzschtaerm! Ich fiehl mich ass ich uff der rote Karebet bei de Oscars bin. All die Kameras waerre am blitze sei un Leit waerre greische: “Phil, Phil, Phil! Mir liewe dich Phil! Guck mol do, Phil!” ‘Sis warricklich eppes. Awwer, Doug, loss mich des saage: ich bin yuscht en Grundsau aus Pennsylvaania. Ich duh mei Hosse aa ee Beh uff ee mol. Ich bin net anners vun eich. Ich duh mei Tschopp un am End es Daag bin ich graad wie all die annere Grundsei, un ich bin OK mit sell. Wann ich Freed zu alde un yunge Leit bringe, sell find ich gut.

Gross Dank Phil fer des Interview. Es waar en grosse Blessier mit dir zu schwetze. Ich winsch dir Gut Glick fer mariye! Bevor ich geh, soll ich mei Schneeschipp wegduh odder raus losse?

Doug, du musscht bis mariye fer selle Antwatt waarde! Mach’s gut!

Do iss en Audio Klip:

As many of you already know, tomorrow, the 2nd of February, is a special day for us PA Dutch and for a small town in northwest Pennsylvania. Yes, tomorrow is Groundhog Day. Early in the morning in Punxsatawney, Phil, the well known groundhog, will come out of his hole and tell us his weather forecast. All of the media, and thousands of people with many cameras, will also be there to see him. Phil is really a celebrity. A few weeks ago I wrote to the people in Punxsatawney if I could interview Phil. Luckily they said “yes”, and this week via Zoom I interviewed Phil. Here is what we talked about:

Good Morning Phil! I am so happy to talk with you. Let me begin with this: how was your winter nap?

Yes, good morning! It is a pleasure to talk with you! I read your blog and really enjoy it…and your YouTube channel is also really good. Yes, my winter nap was good but like always, too short. Before I crawled into my hole, I had a big party with all of my friends, just like always. A big fan from Lebanon had knitted me a pretty blanket last year and sent it to me back in October. I used it this winter and man was it warm. So I have to say a big thanks to Verna Kellerfeich!

Last year you were right. Congrats, but what do you say to the people who say: “He doesn’t know what he is doing.”

What can I say? There will always be people who don’t believe. I can only do what I can do. I tell the weather how I find it. If people think that I am dumb or that I don’t know what I am doing, so it is. I know that there are many people who take what I say as the truth and that is enough for me. I would also say that the people who don’t believe me, they are very welcome to come here and do my job for one year. It’s not easy! But they will never do that. Some people just like to complain. That’s how it is and it will always be that way!

What do you think about all of the science that we now have for predicting the weather?

Yes, you people have come a really long way with technology. But, sometimes the old ways are just as good, if not better, than the new ways, right? I do not need radar or a digital map to do my job. I can feel my answer in my bones…and we shouldn’t overlook our bones. You have a lot technology, but I ask you: do your weather forecasters make mistakes from time to time? For thousands of years we didn’t have such technology and we survived.

Do you have plans for the summer?

Well, I hope so. I want to go on a cruise with my wife. For the last few years I have been making commercials for the Pennsylvania Lottery. They paid me pretty well for that. So I think it is time to spend a few dollars. In May we are going to Florida and then on a large boat in the Caribbean for 10 days! Then in July I want to visit my cousin in North Dakota. He lives not too far from a large city of Prairie Dogs. In July there is a large music festival there and I want to see it. My cousin says every year that I should go there, so finally this year I am going to do it. It should be good, but that is a long drive.

You are a symbol for Pennsylvania and also for us PA Dutch, how do you feel about that?

Yes, I am. You know, normally when I come out of my hole, it is like a lightning storm! I feel like I am on the red carpet at the Oscars. All the cameras will be flashing and the people will be screaming: “Phil, Phil, Phil! We love you Phil! Look here, Phil!” It is really something. But, Doug, let me say this: I am just a groundhog from Pennsylvania. I put my pants on one leg at a time. I am not different from you. I do my job and at the end of the day I am just like all of the other groundhogs, and I am ok with that. If I can bring joy to old and young people, I find that good.

Thanks so much Phil for the interview. It was a pleasure to talk with you. I wish you lots of luck for tomorrow! Before I go, should I put my snow shovel away or keep it out?

Doug, you will have to wait until tomorrow for that answer! Take care!

Halliches Nei Yaahr, liewe Leit! Yep, nau iss es schunn widder Yenner un so beginnt en neies Yaahr aa. 2025…Harriyessus, wu iss 2024 gange? Yuschualli schreib ich mei Winsch fer eich in es nei Yaahr, awwer des mol will ich eens vun dem Schreiwer, der Frank H. Oberholtzer gewwe. Do iss Frank sei Winsch un aa mei Winsch fer eich im 2025!

In dem Yaahr was iss verbei
Waar des Hatz ebmols wie blei.
Wieviel Dreene – ach, so heess –
In de Aage, Gott yuscht weess!
Darrich des all sin mir noch do –
Gehn ins neie Yaahr, un so,
Loss uns fasse frischer Mut, 
Un yuscht halde was waar gut. 

Ich winsch eich im neie Yaahr,
Mehner Glick ass wie devor;
Langes Lewe un Gsundheit
Un aa vieli Hallichkeit.
Meecht ihr frei vun Sarye sei,
Luschdich un doch aernscht debei;
Un en seeliches Schicksal,
Des soll kumme zu eich all!

Do iss en Audio Klip:

Happy New Year, dear people! Yep, now it is already January and so begins a new year. 2025…my goodness, where did 2024 go? Usually I write my own wish for all of you in the new year, but this time I want to give you one from the author, Frank H. Oberholtzer. Here is Frank’s wish and my wish as well for you in 2025!

In this year that is just past
The heart was sometimes like lead.
How many tears – oh, so hot –
In the eyes, God only knows!
But through all that we are still here –
We go into the new year, and so,
Let us grasp new courage,
And keep only what was good.

I wish you in the new year,
More luck than before;
A long life and health
And also much jollity.
May you be free of cares,
Happy and yet also serious;
And spiritual fortune
Should come to you all!

Hoscht du gewusst ass es en Leckschen do in Amerikaa in November gebt? Wie kannscht du net? Alles was mer sehnt un heert hot mit re Leckschen zu duh. Des Yaahr iss es en arrige wichdige Leckschen, weil mir fer der Bresident waehle waerre. Ass viel vun eich schunn wisst, do in Amerikaa waehle mir alle vier Yaahr fer en Bresident. Des Yaahr hemmer en echde Grieg do. Die Demokraatin, die Kamala Harris laaft gege der Republikaaner, der ehmaliger Bresident, der Donald Trump. Mir hen yuscht ee Munet bis der Leckschendaag do iss! In em Guckbax, in re Zeitding un uff em Schwetzkaschde gebt es yuscht Advertisements fer die zwee Kandidaade. Die Polls saage ass es arrig dicht iss. Mir hen kenn glaare Gewinner. Ich hab gedenkt ass es en gudi Zeit waar fer en Waddelischt mit Wadde die in des Leckschen wichdig sin zammezubringe.

Do iss mei Lischt:

1. vote / Voter – abschtimme / der Schtimmgewwer

2. Political Party – die Balledickal Bardi

3. Ballot – die Ballot

4. Politics – die Balledicks

5. Jobs – die Tschapps

6. Debt – die Schuld

7. Economy – die Economie

8. Energy / Clean Energy – die Graft / die Widderneilichegraft

9. War – der Grieg

10. Gas Prices – es Gaasbreis

11. Immigration – die Eiwandering

12. Health Care – die Gsundheitsarge

13. Environment – die Umwelt

14. Guns – die Flinte

15. Education – die Lanning

16. Conservative / Liberal – konservative / liberaal

17. Debate – der Dischbedaat

18. win / lose – gewinne / verliere

Nau seid dihr ready fer die Leckschen mit denne Wadde! Net vergesse uff em 5. November abzuschtimme! Ich waer fer schurr mei Abschtimme gewwe!

Do iss en Audio Klip:

Did you know that there is an election here in America in November? How can’t you? Everything that we see and hear has to do with the election. This year is a very important election, because we will be electing a president. As many of you already know, here in America we vote for a president every four years. This year we have a real war. The Democrat, Kamala Harris, is running against the Republican, the former president, Donald Trump. We have just one month until election day is here! On TV, in the newspapers and on the radio, there are only advertisements for the two candidates. The polls say that it is really close. We don’t have a clear winner. I thought that it was a good time to bring together a list of words for the election. Here is my list:

Now you are ready for the election with these words! Don’t forget to vote on the 5th of November! I will definitely give my vote!

Es gut bekannteschte Pennsylvanisch Deitsch Gedicht muss “Es alt Schulhaus an der Grick” vun Paare Henry Harbaugh sei. Der Harbaugh hot sell Gedicht in Aguscht vun 1861 gschriwwe. Es Gedicht iss in sei gut bekanntes Buch: “Harbaughs Harfe” vun 1870. Es Gedicht beschreibt es Lewe in en Ee-Schtubb Schulhaus aus em 19 Yaahrhunnert. Alles waar gut. Alles waar friedlich. Ich hab gedenkt es waar Zeit en neie “Schulhaus” Gedicht in unsere Mudderschprooch zu hawwe. Ich bin en Schulmeeschder iwwer 20 Yaahre schunn. Viel in der Schul iss gennert in die letschde 150 Yaahre. So do iss mei neie Beischteier zu unsere Literature.

En Daag in die Schul

Uffwache un mei Kuppche Kaffi hawwe
Pack mei Dinge un faahr zur Schul
Copies mache un alles fer der Daag vorbereide
Mach mei Waddefresse uff

Glocke glingt ‘Sis acht Uhr
Schtudents kumme in mei Schtubb rei
Mir saage “Guder Mariye” zu enanner
Ich froog eb sie ihre Schpiel geschdrowed gewunne hen
Ich froog eb sie viel Hausarewet ghatt hen

Mir verschpreche die Faahne
Mir heere zu die Bekanntmachinge
Ich seh wer heit net do iss
Ich saag alliepper ihre Notes rauszugriege

Mir fange aa mit Deitsche Grammar zu lanne
Mir schwetze mit neie Vocabulary
Sie mache Fehler
Mir lache

Die Dier brecht uff
En Schtudent mit en Flint schpringt nei
BANG BANG BANG
Greische
Chaos
Blut iwwerall
Kareper uff em Boddem
Der Schiesser schpringt naus un geht der Gang nunner

Meh Greische
Alarms gehne uff
Schmok glaart, Ohre ringe
Schtudents greische
Maege uffgerisse
Brischde uffgeblossen
Gsichder unerkenntbaar
Sirens

Greische
BANG BANG BANG
Meh Greische
Polis greische
Schtudents heile, rufe fer ihre Eldere
Ich schiddel, iss des Echt, iss des realli gschehe?

BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
“Er iss nunner!”
Greische
“Pennsylvaani Schtaats Polis!”
“Mir kumme!”
Paramedics schpringe nei
Sie bedecke die Kareper
Mir sin rausgenumme

Blut in die Geng
Blut uff die Wend
Blut uff die Boddem
Polis iwwerall
Der Schiesser, uff em Grund, dot

Mir sin drausse genumme
TV Cameras, Reporters, Polis, Feiermenner, EMTs, Helicopters
Iwwerall
Familye widdervereinicht
Ee Paar net

8 Dot
6 Schtudents, 2 Schulmeeschdern
15 verletzt

Gedenke un Bede unsere Weg gschickt
“Ich hab nimmi gedenkt ass so was do gschehe daet.”
Ferwas?
En Daag in der Schul

En Audio Klip:

The most well-known poem in Pennsylvania Dutch must be “The old schoolhouse on the creek” by the Reverend Henry Harbaugh. Harbaugh wrote the poem in August of 1861. The poem is found in his well-known book “Harbaugh’s Harp” from 1870. The poem describes life in a one-room schoolhouse in the 19th century. Everything was good. Everything was peaceful. I thought it was time for a new “schoolhouse” poem in our mother tongue. I am teacher for over 20 years. A lot in school has changed in the last 150 years. So, here is my new contribution to our literature.

A Day at School

Wake up and have my cup of coffee
Pack my things and drive to school
Make copies and prepare for the day
Turn on my computer

Bell rings. It’s 8:00
Students come in my room
We say good morning to each other
I ask if they won their game last night
I ask if they had a lot of homework in other classes

We pledge the flag
We listen to the announcements
I see who is not here today
I tell everyone to get out their notes

We start learning about German grammar
We talk using new vocabulary
They make mistakes
We laugh

Door busts open
A student with a gun runs ins
BANG BANG BANG
Screaming
Chaos
Blood everywhere
Bodies on the floor
Shooter runs out and down the hall

More screams
Alarms going off
Smoke clears, ears ringing
Students screaming
Stomachs torn open
Chests blown open
Faces unrecognizable
Sirens

Screams
Bang bang bang
More screams
Police shouting 
Students crying, shouting for their parents
I’m shaking, is this real, did this really happen?

BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
“He’s down!”
Screaming
“Pennsylvania State Police!”
“We’re coming!”
Paramedics rush in
They cover the bodies
We are taken out

Blood in the hallway
Blood on the walls
Blood on the floors
Police everywhere
Shooter on the ground, dead

We are led outside
TV Camera, Reporters, Police, Firemen, EMTs, Helicopters
Everywhere
Families reunited
Some not

8 dead
6 students, 2 teachers
15 wounded
Thoughts and Prayers sent our way
“I never thought this would happen here.”
Why?
A day at school. 

Mir Deitsche Leit gleiche zu singe un zu lache un deswege hemmer viel gude un luschdige Lieder uff Deitsch. Een devun iss “Ei du Zuschtand!” Die Melodie iss vun “O Susanna,” en gut bekanndes Lied uff Englisch. Unsre Version hot ken Susanna awwer en Till. Do sin die Wadde un die Refrain, so ass du es singe kannscht!

Ich hab gedraamt die anner Nacht, wie alles waar gans schtill.
Die Till die waar bei mir im Bett, un ich waar bei der Till.
Ich waar als net gewehnt gewest, wie ich waar yung un bleed,
Bei annre Leit im Bett zu sei, besonders bei de Meed.

Chorus:
Ei, du Zuschtand! Was waar mer des en Freed!
Bei annre Leit im Bett zu sei, besonders bei de Meed.

Ich waar ya arrig bang un bleed, un hab gezittert wie en Laab,
Un hab gewinscht un hab gewott, ich waer schunn in meim Graab.
Datt kennt ich immer ruhich sei, datt waer’s mir net verleed,
Datt hett ich doch bei Tschuudes Ruh vun denne verdollde Meed. – Chorus

Ich hab mich rumgedreht im Bett, un hab zu ihre gsaat:
“Ich will gaar nix zu duh hawwe mit dir; des saag ich graad.
Ich will nau schlofe, loss mich geh, un geh ins anner Bett!
Ich will gaar nix zu duh hawwe mit denne schlechde Meed.” – Chorus

Dann grickt die Till mich an der Hals, un losst mich nimmi geh.
Sell macht mich bees, un ich dapp rum un grick sie graad am Beh.
“Wann du net gehscht, dann nemm ich dich un schmeiss dich aus em Bett.
Ich will gaar nix zu duh hawwe mit denne schlechde Meed.” – Chorus

Die Till halt aa, saag sie zu mir, ich soll doch ruhich sei.
“Du bischt yo achtzeh Yaahre alt. Warum bischt du so schei?
Die mehnschde Buwe gehne yo schunn eifrich zu de Meed,
Wann sie ken fuffzeh Yaahr alt sin. Drum sin sie net so bleed.” – Chorus

“Kumm, dreh dich rum un guck mich aa, un geb du mir en Boss!
Du gleichscht mich gut, ich wees du duhscht. Kumm, schunnscht gebscht mir Verdruss.”
“Des duhn ich net”, saag ich zu ihr, “Ich wott schier liewer net;
Ich hass des arrig, gewiss ich duh, im Bett sei bei de Meed.” – Chrous

Ich wach uff… ‘S waar alles am mich schtill.
Es waar aa en Draam un aa ken liewi Till.
Die Deck hawwich im Aarem ghatt, gedrickt waar sie gans breed.
Sell waar des alli aerschdi Mol, dass ich im Bett waar bei de Meed. – Chorus

Do iss en Audio Clip:

Un do iss en Video vun unsrem Freind, der Ben Rader! Er singt selles Lied in Deitschland im Yaahr 2020!

We Dutchies like to sing and laugh and that’s way we have a lot of good and funny songs in Dutch. One of those is “Oh my goodness!”The melody is from “Oh Susanna,” a well-known song in English. Our version doesn’t have a Susanna but it has a Till. Here are the words and the refrain so that you can sing it!

I dreamed the other night, how everything was completely quiet
Till, she was in bed with me, and I was with Till.
I had not been accustomed, when I was young and bashful,
to be in bed with other people, especially with the girls.

Chorus:
Oh, my goodness! What a joy that was for me!
To be in bed with other people, especially with the girls.

I was of course, very much afraid and bashful, and trembled like a leaf,
and wished and wished that I were already in my grave.
There I could always be quiet, there I would not be discouraged, there,
by Judas, I’d be sure not to be bothered by those darned girls. – Chorus

I turned around in bed and said to her:
“I don’t want to have anything to do with you,” I’ll say that right away.
“I want to sleep now. Let me go and go into the other bed!
I don’t want to have anything at all to do with these bad girls.” – Chorus

Then Till gets me by the neck and doesn’t let me go anymore.
That makes me angry, and I walk around and get her right by the leg.
“If you don’t go, then I’ll take you and throw you out of the bed.
I don’t want to have anything to do with these bad girls.” – Chorus

Till persists, she tells me that I am to be quiet.
“Why you’re eighteen years old. Why are you so bashful?
Most boys, you know, are already going eagerly to the girls
when they are not yet fifteen years old. For that reason they are not so bashful.” – Chorus

“Come, turn around and look at me and give me a kiss!
You like me well, I know you do. Come, otherwise you’ll make me feel badly.”
“That I won’t do,” I say to her, “I’d almost rather not;
I hate this very much, really I do, to be in bed with the girls.” – Chorus

I wake up…. everything was quiet around me.
It was a dream and also no dear Till.
The cover I had in my arm it was squeezed quite flat.
That was the very first time that I was in bed with the girls. – Chorus

Esse, wie wichdig iss Esse zu en Kuldur? Ich weess schunn, arrig wichdig. Fer uns Deitsche iss deitsche Esse en grosse Schtick vun uns. Denk mol draa, Pannhaas, Pissebett, Fastnachts, Seimaage, Sauergraut, Filse, Buweschenkel, Melassichriwwelboi, un Lattwarick un Schmierkaes. Fer mich muss Welschkannboi aa uff re Lischt sei.

‘Siss nau Tschulei un sell mehnt ass mir viel frische Gaardesache griege kenne: Tomaets, Peffer, Gummere, un Welschkann! Ich bin uff en Bauerei uffgewaxsne un mir hen allsfatt darrich der Summer frische Welschkann ghatt. Mei Mudder hot so gegliche Welschkann Bois zu mache un aa zu esse. Oft im Summer hot es en Welschkann Boi zum Owedesse gewwe.  Waar es aa so fer eich?

Welschkannboi braucht net so viel Ingredients un es nemmt net lang zu rischde un aa net lang zu backe. Heit will ich der Reseet mei Familye mit eich mitdeele. Selle Reseet iss gut fer Vegetarians, awwer mer kann es aa mit Schpeck odder Eischder aa mache!

Ingredients:

3-4 weich gekochde Grummbiere  –  2 Kuppche Welschkann  –  1/4 Kuppche Millich  –  Boideeg  –  2 gekochdes Oier  –  3 Essleffel Budder (in 3 Schticke abgedeelt) – *Schpeck un Zwiwwele odder Eischder

Was du duhne musscht: In en Boideeg, schtell die Grummbiere (in gleene Vierecke gschnitte). Duh dei Welschkann dann drin (uff de Grummbiere). Schneid die Oier blettlich un leg sie uff die Welschkann. Geb die Millich aa drin. Schtell der Budder uff die Oier. Geb glee bissel Sals un Peffer dezu. Duh der Boideckel druff un schtech es mit en Gawwel.  Back fer ee Schtunn bei 350 Graad odder bis es gold-braun iss.

Wann du es mit Schpeck macht, muss mer aerschd der Schpeck weich brode un ich misch des dann mit gekochde Zwiwwele un dann mit em Welschkann neiduh.

Do iss en Audio Klip:

Do iss en Video fer wie mer en Welschkann Boi mache kann:

Food, how important is food to a culture? I already know, very important. For us PA Dutch, Dutch food is a large part of who we are. Think about it, scrapple, dandelion, fastnachts, pig’s stomach, sauerkraut, potato filling, Buweschenkel, shoo fly pie, and apple butter and cottage cheese. For me, corn pie must be on that list.

Now it is July and that means that we can get a lot of fresh vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and sweet corn! I grew up on a farm and we always had fresh sweet corn throughout the summer. My mother really liked to make corn pie and also to eat it. Often in the summer we would have a corn pie for supper. Was it the same for you?

Corn pie does not need a lot of ingredients and it doesn’t take to long to prepare or bake. Today I want to share my family’s recipe with you. This recipe is good for vegetarians, but one can also make it with bacon or oysters!

Ingredients: 3-4 soft cooked potatoes – 2 cups of sweet corn – 1/4 cup milk – pie dough – 2 hard boiled eggs – 3 tablespoons of butter (cut into three pieces) – * bacon and onions or oysters.

What you must do: in a pieshell, place the potatoes (cut into small cubes). Place your corn (on the potatoes). Cut the eggs into slices and lay them on top of the corn. Add the milk. Place the butter on top of the eggs. Add some salt and pepper. Place the pie crust top on and poke holes into it with a fork. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees or until it is golden brown.

If you want it with bacon, one must first fry the bacon and mix it with some cooked onions and then with the corn before placing into the pie shell.

Well am Munndaag waerrd es Tschulei sei un dihr wisst was sell mehnt: widder Zeit zu feiere! Uff em 4. Tschulei waerrd unser Land 248 Yaahre alt sei! Ya, as dihr schunn wisst, zerick im Yaahr 1776 hemmer uns “Macht’s gut” zu England un ihr Keenich gsaat! So selle Woch waerre mir viel Picnics un Partys hawwe. Ich glaab ee paar Biere waerre aa gedrunke. Un nadierlich gebt’s Feierwerks!

Ich hab gedenkt ich waerr eich zwee Dinge gewwe um mit zu feiere. Yedes Kind do in Amerikaa muss ee Ding lanne: “Es Verschprechnis zum Faahne.” Mir fange yeder Schuldaag mit sell aa. Do iss es uff Deitsch:

Ich versprech gedrei zu sei, zu dem Faahne vun de Vereinigte Schtaaten vun Amerikaa un des Land, fer des es schteht; ee Land, unnich Gott, ewich vereinicht, mit Freiheit un Gerechtichkeit fer Alle.

Dihr alle wisst schunn unser National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner. Ich hab nix gege selles Lied un ich sing es mit Schtolz. Awwer es gebt aa en anneres Lied, es aa arrig schee iss un hot eppes mit unsrem Land zu duh. Es Lied “Amerikaa” iss arrig gut unnich uns Deitsche bekannt. Die Melodie iss vun em Lied “My Country tis of the thee” es iss aa die gleiche Melodie zu em England sei National Anthem: “Gott Segnet der Keenich.” Fer uns Amerikaaner singe mir nadierlich “Gott segnet der Keenich” gaar net…mir bleiwe bei “My Country tis of thee.” Mir hen schunn lang nix meh zu duh mit re Englische Keenichliche Familye.

Ich find die Wadde, die der gut bekannte Deitscher Schreiwer un Gedichter, der John Birmelin, gschriwwe hot so arrig schee. Die Wadde sin warricklich fer mich arrig mehningsvoll. Wann ich des Lied sing, fiehl ich mich arrig schtolz en Amerikaaner zu sei un aa en Deitscher zu sei. Generations vun meinre Familye hen do in Amerikaa gelebt. Ich hab Voreldere die fer unsere Unabhaengigskeit gefochdet hen un aa in em Birgergrieg gefochdet hen. Die hen in em Zwedde Welt Grieg gefochdet um Freiheit in re Welt zu bringe. Vielleicht iss es aa so mit eire Familye?

Mit Schtolz un Dankbaarkeit, kennt dihr sell scheenes Lied singe. Dihr kennt die Melodie, so geht drauss un singt es arrig laut. Loss mol dei Nochbere wisse ass du schtolz Deitsche zu sei bischt!

Amerikaa

Mei Land, ich sing vun dir
siess iss die Freiheit mir,
do will ich sei;
so wie die alde Leit,
so fiehl ich aa noch heit.
Sin dir zu yedre Zeit
immer gedrei.

Do iss en Audio Klip:

Well, on Monday it will be July and you know what that means: time again to celebrate! On the 4th of July our country will be 248 years old! Yes, as you already know, back in the year 1776 we said “Goodbye” to England and their king. So this week there will be many picnics and parties. I believe a few beers will also be had. And naturally there will also be fireworks!

I thought I would give you two things to celebrate with. Every child here in America has to learn one thing: “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.” We begin every school day with it. Here it is in PA Dutch:

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

You all know our national anthem: The Star Spangled Banner. I have nothing against that song and I sing it with pride. But there is another song, that is really pretty and has something to do with our country. The song “America” is very well-known among us PA Dutch. The melody is from the song “My Country tis of thee” and it is also the same melody as England’s national anthem: “God Save the King.” For us Americans we naturally do not sing “God Save the King”, we prefer to stay with “My Country tis of thee.” For a long time now we have had nothing to do with the English royal family.

I find the words, that the well-known PA Dutch author and poet, John Birmelin, wrote to be so pretty. The words are truthfully very meaningful to me. When I sing this song, I feel proud to be an American and also a Pennsylvania Dutchman. Generations of my family have lived here in America. I have ancestors who fought for our independence and also in the Civil War. They fought in the second World War to bring freedom to the world. Maybe it is the same with your family?

With pride and thankfullness, you can sing this beautiful song. You know the melody, so go outside and sing it really loudly. Let your neighbors know that you are proud to be Dutch!

America

My country, I sing of thee
sweet is the freedom,
here is where I want to be;
just like the older people,
I feel the same way today.
To you in all times
I will always be faithful.

Ass viel vun eich schunn wisst, unsere PA Deitsche Gschicht geht dief in re Gschicht vun unsrem Land, Amerikaa. Awwer, hett dihr gewisst ass es viel PA Deitsche “Aerschde” gewwe? Ya, es gebt! Do iss en katze Lischt vun yuscht ee paar wichdiche PA Deitsche “Aerschde”.

Der aerschde Schwetzer vun em Haus, der Frederick Muhlenberg, waar erwaehlt uff em 1. Abrill, 1789, der Daag ass es Haus hot sich georganized mit dem Aafang vun re aerschde Congress.

Der aerschde Continental Geldhewwer waar der Michael Hillegas.

Im Yaahr 1688 der aerschde Versuch um Sklaverei wegzuschmeisse waare vun dem Francis Daniel Pastorius, dem Gerhard Hendricks, dem Dirck op den Graeff un dem Abraham op den Graeff gemacht.

PA Deitsche Soldaade waare mit de aerschde Troops dem George Washington bei Cambridge noch dem Schlacht vun Lexington zu dreffe un ihre Noochkumme waare mit de aerschde Soldaade Lincoln sei Uffruf im 1861 zu andwadde.

Der George Washington waar aerschd benaamt ass “Der Daadi vun seim Land” in en deitsche Kalenner gedrickt in Lancaster im 1779.

Die aerschde rechde Rechling vun dem Distance vun re Aerd zu re Sunn waar vun dem David Rittenhouse im 1769 gezaehlt.

Die Welt ihre aerschde Sunndaags Schul waar vun dem Ludwig Hocker in Ephrata gegrindt.

Wie dihr sehne kennt, hemmer viel uff was mer schtolz sei kenne. Die PA Deitsche waare do vun em Aafang aa un mir sin immernoh do. Gebt es eppes die vun re Lischt fehlt? Loss mich mol wisse in re Comment Section!

Do iss en Audio Klip:

As many of you already know, our PA Dutch history goes deep into the history of our country, America. But, did you know that there are many “firsts” that the PA Dutch did? Here is a short list of just a few important PA Dutch “Firsts”.

The first speaker of the house, Frederick Muhlenberg, was elected on the 1st of April, 1789, the day the House organized itself at the start of the 1st. Congress.

The first Continental treasurer was Michael Hillegas.

In 1688 the first effort in America to overthrow slavery was made by Francis Daniel Pastorius, Gerhard Hendricks, Dirck op den Graeff and Abraham op den Graeff.

PA Dutch soldiers were among the first troops to meet George Washington at Cambridge after the battle of Lexington and their descendants were among the first soldiers to answer Lincoln’s call in 1861.

George Washington was first called “Father of his Country” in a German almanac printed in Lancaster in 1779.

The first accurate calculation of the distance from the earth to the sun was made by David Rittenhouse in 1769.

The world’s first Sunday School was organized by Ludwig Hocker in Ephrata.

As you can see, we have a lot to be proud of. The PA Dutch were here from the beginning and we are still here. Is there something that is missing from the list? Let me know in the comment section!