The short answer is no: the Pennsylvania Dutch are not Dutch. They are primarily descendants of German-speaking immigrants (from present-day Germany, Switzerland, and Alsace) who settled in Pennsylvania from the late 1600s through the 1800s. The word “Dutch” here is a corruption of the German word Deutsch, meaning “German,” so “Pennsylvania Dutch” literally means “Pennsylvania German.”
Who Are the Pennsylvania Dutch?
The Pennsylvania Dutch are a cultural group that formed in southeastern Pennsylvania, centered in counties like Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh. The first major wave of immigration came in the 1680s, when Mennonites and Quakers from the Palatinate region of Germany sought religious freedom and affordable land. Over the following centuries, Lutherans, Reformed, Moravians, Amish, and other German-speaking groups joined them. By the mid-1700s, they were the largest ethnic group in Pennsylvania outside of English settlers, and their dialect, Pennsylvania German (or Pennsylvania Dutch), became a distinct language blending German with English influences.
Today, the term “Pennsylvania Dutch” is often used loosely to refer to all descendants of these German-speaking settlers, though many prefer “Pennsylvania German.” The Amish and Mennonites are the most visible subgroups, but many Pennsylvania Dutch are neither—they belong to mainstream Protestant denominations and have fully integrated into American life.
Why the Confusion Between “Dutch” and “German”?
The confusion dates back to the 18th century, when English speakers in the colonies encountered German immigrants. In English, the word “Dutch” originally referred to any Germanic-speaking people, including those from the Netherlands and Germany. The German word for their own language is Deutsch, which sounds similar to “Dutch.” English speakers heard “Deutsch” and wrote it as “Dutch,” even though the immigrants were not from the Netherlands. This mislabeling stuck, and by the 19th century the community was firmly known as “Pennsylvania Dutch.”
Interestingly, the Pennsylvania Dutch themselves often used the term “Dutch” to describe their own language and customs, even though they knew they were German. This self-identification helped cement the term in American English, despite its inaccuracy.
What Language Do They Speak?
The traditional language of the Pennsylvania Dutch is Pennsylvania German, also called Pennsylvania Dutch. It is a distinct dialect that evolved from the Palatinate German of the original settlers, mixed with English vocabulary and some French and Native American words. For example, a Pennsylvania German speaker might say “Ich bin all” (I am all) to mean “I am done,” and use English loanwords like “cookie” and “schnitzel.”
Today, the language is spoken by an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people, mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Amish and Old Order Mennonites are the most likely to speak it daily, using it as their home and community language. Many “fancy” (non-Amish) Pennsylvania Dutch have lost fluency, but some still learn it as a heritage language. English is universal, and Pennsylvania German is not mutually intelligible with standard German, though speakers of one can often pick up the other with effort.
What Are Their Traditions and Culture?
Pennsylvania Dutch culture is rich with distinctive food, folk art, and customs. The most famous food traditions include:
- Scrapple – a breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal, often sliced and fried until crisp.
- Chow-chow – a pickled vegetable relish, typically served as a condiment.
- Whoopie pies – two soft chocolate cakes with a creamy marshmallow filling.
- Funnel cakes – fried batter drizzled with powdered sugar, popular at fairs.
- Seven sweets and seven sours – a traditional table spread of seven pickled or sweet items and seven sour or tangy items.
Folk art includes hex signs (colorful circular designs painted on barns), fraktur (illuminated manuscripts), and quilting. The Amish and Mennonites are known for their simple, functional clothing and rejection of modern technology, though the extent varies by community. The Pennsylvania Dutch also have a reputation for thrift, hard work, and strong family ties.
Are the Amish and Mennonites the Same as Pennsylvania Dutch?
Not exactly. The Amish and Mennonites are religious groups within the Anabaptist tradition, and many (but not all) are Pennsylvania Dutch. The first Amish arrived in Pennsylvania in the 1730s, and today the largest Amish communities are in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Holmes County, Ohio. Mennonites also have deep Pennsylvania Dutch roots, with many congregations still using Pennsylvania German in worship.
However, not all Pennsylvania Dutch are Anabaptist. Many are Lutheran, Reformed, or Catholic, and they do not follow the plain dress or technology restrictions of the Amish. Conversely, there are Amish and Mennonite communities outside Pennsylvania (in Canada, Latin America, and elsewhere) that are not culturally Pennsylvania Dutch. So the terms overlap but are not synonyms.
How Do I Choose Between Visiting Amish Country and Other Pennsylvania Dutch Sites?
If you want to experience Pennsylvania Dutch culture, you have several options:
- Lancaster County, PA – the heart of Amish country, with buggy rides, farmers markets, and historic sites like the Amish Farm and House.
- Lehigh Valley, PA – home to the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, which offers language classes and festivals.
- Berks County, PA – known for the Kutztown Folk Festival, held every summer, featuring folk art, music, and food.
- Ohio Amish Country – around Holmes and Wayne counties, with a large Amish population and similar attractions.
When choosing, consider what you want to see. For a full immersion in Amish life, Lancaster is the most famous and tourist-friendly. For a more academic look at Pennsylvania German culture, the Lehigh Valley heritage center is excellent. The Kutztown festival is great for families and folk art enthusiasts. Always respect the privacy of the Amish: do not take photos of their faces, and avoid entering their homes uninvited.
Common Misconceptions
Several myths persist about the Pennsylvania Dutch:
- They are Dutch from the Netherlands. As explained, they are German. The term “Dutch” is a historical mistake.
- They all live like the Amish. The majority of Pennsylvania Dutch are modern, mainstream Americans who drive cars and use electricity. Only about 10% are Amish or Old Order Mennonite.
- They speak a broken German. Pennsylvania German is a legitimate language with its own grammar and vocabulary, not a dialect of standard German.
- Their food is bland. Actually, Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is known for being hearty and flavorful, with a balance of sweet and sour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Pennsylvania Dutch the same as the Amish?
No. The Amish are a religious subgroup within the Pennsylvania Dutch, but many Pennsylvania Dutch are not Amish. The Amish are known for their plain dress and limited technology, while most Pennsylvania Dutch live completely modern lives.
Why do they call themselves “Dutch” if they are German?
Because early English settlers misheard the German word Deutsch as “Dutch.” The name stuck, and even the community adopted it. Some now prefer “Pennsylvania German,” but “Pennsylvania Dutch” remains common.
Do the Pennsylvania Dutch still speak their language?
Yes, Pennsylvania German is still spoken by an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people, mainly among the Amish and Old Order Mennonites. However, many non-Amish descendants no longer speak it fluently.
What is the difference between Pennsylvania Dutch and Pennsylvania German?
They are essentially the same. “Pennsylvania Dutch” is the traditional name, while “Pennsylvania German” is more accurate and preferred by some academics and community members. Both refer to the same people and language.
Where can I learn more about Pennsylvania Dutch culture?
Visit the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, attend the Kutztown Folk Festival, or explore Lancaster County’s Amish attractions. Many local historical societies offer exhibits and genealogical resources.
Are there Pennsylvania Dutch communities outside Pennsylvania?
Yes, many descendants migrated westward in the 19th century. Significant communities exist in Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and there are Amish settlements in many other states and even Canada.
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