1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
German coalition collapseDonald TrumpCOP29

11 expressions you'll need for Carnival in Cologne

Silke Wünsch / rb, egFebruary 3, 2016

To understand the "strange" Carnival culture, you'll need to learn a few typical expressions from the Kölsch dialect. If they're new to you, don't start doubting your German skills - most Germans don't know them either.

https://p.dw.com/p/1HoWG
Carnival, Copyright: Weihrauch dpa/lnw +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Weihrauch

"Kölsch" is a dialect and a beer - as people say in Cologne, it's the only language that you can drink. It is still used as an unofficial language during Carnival in that city, which is why you should study the expressions listed in the gallery above to know how to party the traditional - and colorful - way.

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

Women celebrating Weiberfastnacht in Cologne, Copyright: picture-alliance/dpa

A kiss for your manhood? Why Carnival kicks off with gender power games

A kiss for your manhood? Why Carnival kicks off with gender power games

Women take charge of men on the Thursday before Carnival, cut off their ties and give them a kiss. It's a tradition that hails from an era when women's rights were non-existent, but takes on extra significance this year. (03.02.2016)
CultureFebruary 7, 2018

Carnival in Cologne: costume on - hysteria off?

Carnival in Cologne: costume on - hysteria off?

For weeks now, Germany has had the impression that Cologne is a city in crisis. The authorities have been under pressure since the assaults on New Year's Eve. Will the citizens let these concerns spoil their festivities? (01.02.2016)
February 1, 2016