In Alsace, language is not limited to French. Here, one can still hear a very particular dialect: Alsatian. More than just a dialect, it is part of the soul of the region, of childhood memories and everyday conversations.
A language between two worlds
Alsatian is a regional language derived from Germanic languages, more specifically from Alemannic and Frankish dialects, present in Alsace since the Middle Ages.
So yes… you might think it's German. But the reality is more nuanced. Alsatian and German share a common ancestor: Middle High German. Yet, Alsatian has evolved differently, retaining unique characteristics specific to each village and each valley.
The result: we don't speak one Alsatian, but several Alsatians.
A language that was dominant for a long time
Until the 1970s, Alsatian was the main language used daily in Alsace. It was spoken everywhere: at home, between neighbors, in shops…
Today, even though French has taken over, Alsatian remains very much alive, carried by generations, traditions and a genuine cultural attachment.
A language… that's difficult to translate!
What makes Alsatian so rich is that it doesn't always translate word for word. Some expressions are figurative, others are full of humor, and some are simply impossible to render perfectly in French.
Words that tell the story of an entire culture
Here are some typical expressions, inspired in particular by Pascale Erhart's book, In Alsace, that's how it's said. :
- Bissele → “a little bit”
Derived from German a little This word is very commonly used in everyday speech. Its pronunciation is more open, close to “bessele”. - Dàmpfnüdle → culinary specialty
Beware of the trap! “Nüdel” means “noodle”, but here, it actually refers to small steamed balls of brioche dough. - Hopla! → multifunctional interjection
A true Swiss Army knife of the Alsatian language: depending on the tone, it can mean “come on”, “let’s go”, “oops” or even “there you go”. - No matter → “I don’t care”
In Alsace, one can simply answer “equal” to express indifference to a choice. - Service! → “You're welcome”
A surprising but very common response after a thank you. - Zipper → zipper
A word formed from the verb “tirer”, very commonly used in everyday language. - Waldi → dog (often a dachshund)
An affectionate name, comparable to “Médor”, very common in the Germanic area.
But also some very local characteristics:
- Little bread → pain au chocolat
There's no debate here: chocolate is already included in the term! - Finette → undershirt
A French word… but with a typically Alsatian usage. - Maggi → lovage / condiment
The plant is nicknamed “Maggi herb” because of its taste, which is similar to the famous flavor. - Melfor → Alsatian vinegar
Mild and slightly sweet, it is a must-have in local cuisines.
A heritage to preserve
Today, Alsatian is spoken less than it used to be, but it remains a true cultural treasure.
Bilingual schools, local initiatives, events… everything is being done to keep it alive.