What language do the Amish speak?
In their homes and in conversations with each other, the Old Order Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, which is a dialect of German. We understand that it is similar to Platt that is spoken in parts of northern Germany. When children go to school they learn English. In their worship services the sermons are given in German. The German language, Deitch, is also taught in Amish schools.
If you have ever visited the Illinois Amish country and Arthur, Illinois you may have noticed that the Amish people speak a language other than English. The Amish all speak a language called Pennsylvania Dutch which is a dialect of German similar to that used in northern Germany. The children are all raised in a household speaking Pennsylvania Dutch and are later taught English when they start school. All Amish church services are also given in Pennsylvania Dutch.
Regardless of where they live, the Amish speak the Pennsylvania German dialect (popularly known as Pennsylvania Dutch), except in a few communities where they speak a Swiss dialect. English, typically learned in school, is their second language. Most Amish are fluent in both English and the dialect, but very few can speak standard German. Some learn to read old German script so they can read their religious books and publications. Amish people often refer to non-Amish as “English,” because they speak the English language. See Language for more information.
“In their homes and in conversations with each other, the Old Order Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, which is a dialect of German. We understand that it is similar to “Platt” that is spoken in parts of northern Germany. When children go to school they learn English. In their worship services the sermons are given in German.
