Maedel
everyday
A girl in Pennsylvania Dutch is Maedel. The word for boy is Bu.
Meaning: a young female (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Maedel | everyday |
| Bu | boy |
Which one should you use?
Maedel is related to German Mädel and Mädchen. Children's books written in Pennsylvania Dutch use Maedel for a girl of any age up to young adulthood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spelling varies between writers, and you may also see Meedel.
Did you know?
- Bu, "boy", comes from the same old German word as standard German Bube.
Examples in context
- Sie iss en schee Maedel.She is a pretty girl.
- Mir hen en Bu un en Maedel.We have a boy and a girl.
Example conversation
Teacher Esther meets a new pupil and her father Daniel at a one-room school.
- EstherWer iss sell Maedel?Who is that girl?
- DanielSell iss mei Dochder, Katie.That is my daughter, Katie.
- EstherWillkumm, Katie!Welcome, Katie!
