Willkommen – Welcome
“Willkommen” is more than a greeting; it is a word that captures the warm and inviting spirit of Frankenmuth. As travelers enter town from the south, they’re greeted by the Palmer Schau Gateway Arch—a striking 160-foot-wide welcome sign stretching across M-83 near Grandpa Tiny’s Farm. Boldly displayed across the arch is the word “Willkommen,” symbolizing the town’s long-standing dedication to Bavarian hospitality and making every visitor feel right at home.
Gemütlichkeit – A feeling of coziness, friendliness, and good cheer.
“Gemütlichkeit” is a German word that translates to “warm hospitality” in English. This word perfectly encapsulates the inviting small-town atmosphere of Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Whether enjoying a World-Famous Chicken Dinner at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant or making a splash at Bavarian Blast Waterpark, you’ll always be greeted with Gemütlichkeit.
Prost! – Cheers!
If you have ever visited Frankenmuth during one of our German-inspired festivals, it is more than likely you have heard the word “Prost”. This phrase is used when raising a stein (preferably with Hofbräu Beer in it) to celebrate good times and good company.
Kartoffelkäseknödel – Potato Cheese Puffs
At the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Michigan on Main, it’s Bar and Grill, Potato Cheese Puffs are a comforting dish, invented by our Founder, Dorothy Zehnder. It originated from using leftover mashed potatoes so they would not go to waste. Dorothy added cheese, seasonings, and fried up these delicious puffs to what is now one of the most popular items on the menu, after our signature Bavarian Inn Chicken, of course.
Gesundheit
“Gesundheit” is a word often heard after someone sneezes. The translation is to wish someone “good health”. Often confused with but not the same as saying “bless you”.
Lederhosen – Traditional Leather Shorts
One of the most iconic symbols of Bavarian culture, Lederhosen are traditional knee-length leather breeches with H-shaped suspenders, once worn by working men in the Alpine regions for their durability. Over time, they became a proud emblem of Bavarian heritage. Today, Lederhosen are most often seen in Frankenmuth during festivals, celebrations, and in the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, where the male team members proudly represent the restaurant’s German heritage by wearing Lederhosen.
Dirndl – Traditional Bavarian Dress
Just as Lederhosen are a proud symbol of Bavarian tradition for men, the Dirndl serves that same purpose for women. The Dirndl has a fitted bodice, a full skirt, and an apron. It is often accented with embroidery, lace, or bright Bavarian patterns. While it was once everyday attire in southern Alpine villages, today it shines at Frankenmuth festivals and at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, as female team members wear the Dirndl with pride, welcoming guests into an atmosphere that feels every bit like Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
Guten Tag – Good Day
A classic German greeting, Guten Tag, is the everyday way to wish someone a pleasant day. In Bavaria, this friendly phrase captures the warmth of neighborly connection and the importance of making every interaction welcoming.
Grüß Gott – Good Day
In southern Germany, this phrase is more of a dialect to wish someone a pleasant day. The literal translation is “God’s Greetings,” and you will hear many people in Frankenmuth use this greeting to say Hello.
Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye
One of the most well-known German phrases, Auf Wiedersehen, is more than just “goodbye”; it carries the warm promise of seeing one another again. While in Frankenmuth, visitors will often hear this phrase as a heartfelt sendoff, inviting them to return and experience the charm of Michigan’s Little Bavaria once more.
