Good Bye Hochdeutsch Welcome Bairisch

For those among you that were asking themselves "should I learn a German dialect or standard German (Hochdeutsch)" things are about to become a lot easier because today Bavaria announced a switch from Hochdeutsch (Standard German) to Bavarian dialect as Amtssprache (official language).

Even though Bavarians are known for being a bit different from the other German "tribes" because they are far more national than the rest, this decision comes a bit like a shock to the rest of Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz wasn't ready for comment yet. It must have surprised him as much as it did surprise us.

Minister of Culture and Education, Anna Stolz, said at a press conference that making Bairisch the official language was the next logical step after banning gendering in all official institutions just weeks earlier.

What will actually change?

The change will be implemented across all public institutions, including schools, government offices, and public signage. Students and immigrants will now be educated exclusively in Bairisch. In collaboration with the Austrian government - whose native language is also Bavarian - Bavaria has allocated funds for new Bairisch learning materials.

Reactions have been mixed. Some Bavarians are celebrating. Others worry about communication barriers with the rest of Germany. Berlin-based linguists are not amused.

Should you learn Bairisch now?

The good news is that in case you were about to migrate to Bavaria or Austria and weren't certain whether to focus on the local dialect or standard German, this question has now become obsolete. Bavarian it is for you.

In related news, the Bavarian government is also reportedly considering making Lederhosen and Dirndl mandatory attire for all state employees as the next logical step towards independence from the German federal government. However, as the date of this announcement coincides with April 1st, it might be wise to take this information with a grain of salt.

In diesem Sinne: O' Zapft Is.