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
"That wasn't so bad." Listen
[That wasn't so bad. Meaning: It was very good. The guy from Aachen is sparing with praise.]
If it's not raining, it's dripping. Listen
[If it's not raining, then it's dripping. It has nothing to do with rain; rather, it means that you can be content with even a little.]
I'm at the end of my rope. Listen
[I'm at the end of my rope: I can't take it anymore.]
You look great in a little hat. Listen
[You can wear whatever you want—you always look good.]
"That's a slippery coin." Listen
[That's a slippery coin: someone who's impossible to pin down.]
Oh, dear. Listen
[expression of regret or sympathy]
Original Öcher dialect
Öcher Platt for beginners
Let's face it: if you didn't grow up speaking it, you're going to have trouble with Aachen's "Öcher Platt" dialect. But don't give up. Nobody's going to discourage you from trying to learn Aachen's curious patois.
Beginners can get a handle on the subject in a variety of ways. For example, you can join a guided tour of City Hall conducted in Öcher Platt, attend a Carnival gathering, or go to a performance by 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
"That wasn't so bad." Listen
[German: "Das war gar nicht so schlecht." Meaning: "That was really good!" (People from Aachen aren't particularly generous when it comes to giving praise.)
If it doesn't rain, it drips. Lists
[German: "If it doesn't rain, then it drips." This has nothing to do with rain. What it means is that less can still be more than enough.]
I'm at my wits' end.
[German: "Ich habe das Herz ab." Meaning: "I can't stand it any longer."]
You look great in anything. Listen
[German: "Du kannst anziehen, was du willst, du siehst immer gut aus." Meaning: "You can wear anything you like. You always look great!"]
"Dat es ene jlatte Jrosche." Listen
[That's a slippery groschen: Meaning: "He's/she's a slippery character."]
Oh dear. Listen
[An expression of condolence or sympathy]