Original Öcher
Öcher Platt for beginners
Let's not kid ourselves. If you don't know it from an early age, you'll have a hard time with the Öcher Platt. Nevertheless, nobody should be thwarted in their ambition to learn the Aachen dialect.
Beginners have several opportunities to immerse themselves in the sounds of the city. For example, you can take part in a guided tour of the town hall in Öcher Platt, attend a carnival session, visit a play by the "Öcher Schängche" puppet theater or parley with a "Thouet dialect prize winner".
Jüppchen's little jump start
Dat woer jar net esue schleäht. Listen
[That wasn't so bad. Means: It was very good. The Öcher is sparing with praise].
If it doesn't rain, it drips. Listen
[If it's not raining, it's dripping. Has nothing to do with rain, but means that you can be satisfied with little].
I han et Hazz av. Listen
[I've lost my heart: I can't go on].
Du kleids en e Höddelche. Listen
[You can wear whatever you want, you always look good].
Dat es ene jlatte Jrosche. Listen
[That's a smooth penny: a person who can't be grabbed].
Ochhärrm. Listen
[Expression of regret, pity]
Original Öcher dialect
Öcher Platt for beginners
Let's face the fact: if you didn't grow up speaking it, you're going to have problems with Aachen's "Öcher Platt" dialect. But don't throw in the towel. Nobody's going to discourage you from trying to learn Aachen's curious patois.
Beginners can get to grips with the subject matter in a variety of ways. For example, you can join a guided tour of the Town Hall given in Öcher Platt, or attend a Carnival meeting, or go to a performance of Aachen's legendary puppet theater, the "Öcher Schängche". If you're lucky, you might get the chance to exchange a few words with one of the "Thouet Dialect Prize Winners" - or to listen to the renowned master of Öcher Platt: Hubert Crott, a.k.a. "Jüppchen"...
Jüppchen's little jump start
Dat woer jar net esue schleäht. Listen
[German: "That wasn't so bad." Meaning: "That was really good!" (Öcher speakers are not particularly generous when it comes to giving praise.
When it doesn't rain, it drips. Listen
[German: "Wenn es nicht regnet, dann dröppt es." This has nothing to do with rain. What it means is that less can still be more than enough].
Ich han et Hazz av. Listen
[German: "Ich habe das Herz ab." Meaning: "I can't stand it any longer."]
You dress well. Listen
[German: "You can wear whatever you like, you always look good." Meaning: "You can wear anything you like. You always look great!"]
Dat es ene jlatte Jrosche. Listen
[That's a slippery penny: Meaning: "He's/she's a slippery character."].
Ochhärrm. Listen
[An expression of condolence, sympathy]