PA Dutch Classes

Connect with Your Berks County Heritage

Berks History Center is pleased to offer online classes that explore the language and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The Winter 2026 Semester will begin the week of January 5th. Registration is now open!

Pennsylvania Dutch is an American language that developed from the immigration of German speakers to colonial Pennsylvania. It is also referred to as Pennsylvania German to emphasize its German roots.

Enrolling in a Pennsylvania Dutch class at the Berks History Center offers a fun opportunity for students to enjoy the fellowship of other Pennsylvania Dutch enthusiasts, but more importantly, it allows an opportunity to celebrate and preserve this rich cultural heritage.

Course Descriptions

Our course offerings include:

Beginner Course

Our Beginner’s Course is perfect for students with little knowledge of the language, or for more experienced speakers who would benefit from a review. The Beginner Course introduces students to vocabulary, common phrases, and very basic grammar. This course also includes weekly culture lessons which provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the people and the communities which speak Pennsylvania Dutch. This course uses a workbook, “A Pennsylvania Dutch Beginner’s Guide,” by Bradley Smith, which will be provided to all students prior to the start of class (in-person students will receive a printed version, online students will receive an electronic version).

Our Intermediate Course is ideal for graduates of the Beginner Course or for students with a basic understanding of the language. This course features less discussion of culture and entails a deeper dive into grammar and vocabulary. This eight-week course covers chapters 1-6 of the textbook “Schwetz Mol Deitsch!” by Douglas J. Madenford and Joshua Brown, with two weeks for practice and review. Students are required to purchase this textbook on their own. BHC members receive 20% off, and non-members enjoy 10% off all PA Dutch language books purchased from the BHC Bookstore. To place your order, please email info@berkshistory.org or call 610-375-4375.

Our Advanced Course builds upon its predecessor, continuing the deep dive into grammar and vocabulary, and covering chapters 7-12 of the textbook “Schwetz mol Deitsch!” by Douglas J. Madenford and Joshua Brown. Similar to the Intermediate level, this eight-week course will include two weeks for practice and review. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Intermediate Course prior to the Advanced level, since the two are closely connected. Students are required to purchase this textbook on their own. BHC members receive 20% off, and non-members enjoy 10% off all PA Dutch language books purchased from the BHC Bookstore. To place your order, please email info@berkshistory.org or call 610-375-4375.

Beginner Course

Our beginner’s course is perfect for students with little knowledge of the language, or for more experienced speakers who would benefit from a review. The beginner course introduces students to vocabulary, common phrases, and very basic grammar. This course also includes weekly culture lessons which provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the people and the communities which speak Pennsylvania Dutch. This course uses a workbook, A Pennsylvania Dutch Beginner’s Guide, by Bradley Smith, which will be provided to all students prior to the start of class (in-person students will receive a printed version, online students will receive an electronic version).
Intermediate Course

Our intermediate course is ideal for graduates of the Beginner Course or for students with a basic understanding of the language. This course features less discussion of culture and entails a deeper dive into grammar and vocabulary. This eight-week course covers chapters 1-6 of the textbook “Schwetz Mol Deitsch!” by Douglas Madenford and Joshua Brown, with two weeks for practice and review. Students are required to purchase this textbook on their own. BHC members receive 20% off, and non-members enjoy 10% off all PA Dutch language books purchased from the BHC Bookstore. To place your order, please email info@berkshistory.org or call 610-375-4375.
Advanced Course

Our advanced course builds upon its predecessor, continuing the deep dive into grammar and vocabulary, and covering chapters 7-12 of the textbook “Schwetz Mol Deitsch!” by Douglas Madenford and Joshua Brown. Similar to the intermediate level, this eight-week course will include two weeks for practice and review. Students are strongly encouraged to take the intermediate course prior to the advanced level, since the two are closely connected. Students are required to purchase this textbook on their own. BHC members receive 20% off, and non-members enjoy 10% off all PA Dutch language books purchased from the BHC Bookstore. To place your order, please email info@berkshistory.org or call 610-375-4375.

All classes run for 8 weeks. Classes cost $90 for BHC Members (Individual Level Members and Above) and $175 for Non-Members. Participants can become a BHC Member by signing up online.

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PA Dutch Classes

Connect with Your Berks County Heritage

Our course offerings include:

All classes run for 8 weeks. Classes cost $90 for BHC Members (Individual Level Members and Above) and $175 for Non-Members. Participants can become a BHC Member by signing up online.

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