4

In Hessen, people often use the word "ger" at the end of sentences, as in **

"Danke ger!"
"Weißt du, ger!"

**

Definitely know it is an exclamatory expression. Is there any translation in English.

0

2 Answers 2

13

If you are talking about the word "gell" or "gelle" or "gä/ge" (which I presume you do, because I've never heard of "ger" here in Hessen):

The word "gell" and its regionally differently pronounced equivalents do not heave a real meaning. It is used to emphasize/indicate a question or ask for confirmation, very much like "right?", "isn't/doesn't it?", "don't you?", "eh?" in English.

Examples:

Du wohnst auch hier, gell?
You live here, too, right?

Danke, gell?
Thanks! (I can't come up with a proper translation for this. Here, the "gell" is just appended to ask the other person to confirm they understood you thanked them)

7
  • 1
    @Thorsen Dittmar: Your example "Danke, gell!" is actually not a question. Here "gell" just adds some kind of importance to what one has just said: You say "Danke!" if someone does something for you that was expected (e.g. the postman hands over a letter) . You say "Danke, gell!" if someone helped you in something that isn't naturally (e.g. the postman carries the 30kg parcel to the fifth floor, where his duty actually was done at the ground floor) .
    – mic
    Mar 27, 2018 at 11:01
  • 1
    @mic Also one possible use. I also know it as a question, the answer being a polite "basst scho!". :-) Mar 27, 2018 at 13:02
  • 1
    Additionally to mics explanations: "Danke, gell!" may be used at a later stage to confirm an implicit thankfulness that wasn't expressed cleary or by words at all in the corresponding situation. "Danke, gell" is a more sincere and emphasizing way of saying "Danke!".
    – Nicolas
    Mar 27, 2018 at 13:04
  • Es gibt übrigens auch die Variante gelt, was wohl das ursprüngliche Wort ist, siehe duden.de/rechtschreibung/gelt_ja_oder_wirklich
    – RHa
    May 26, 2019 at 8:03
  • @ ThorstenDittmar could you be a bit more specific about which part of Hessen you are talking about? I have always heard 'ger' (nearly silent r, not hessisches r) around Lahnau, and would have bet 'gell' was only used in Schwaben.
    – bukwyrm
    May 27, 2019 at 16:57
2

Gä or ge or gell(e) is the same what you are hearing. I'm from Hessen. I say always gä but it sounds like ger. Maybe that confused you. Depends regional in Hessen: South Hessisch, Middle Hessisch, Nord Hessisch or Frankfurter Platt.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.