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"Kölsche Grundgesetz"— Taking it easy à la Cologne (Constitution of Cologne)

This "constitution" reflects everlasting wisdom and Cologne's way of life. When you want to successfully integrate in the Rhineland area of Germany, you need to cope width Jekken / Narren - fools. Take it easy and you have almost won. When you are a "real" member of a carnivals' club, then you won't have to worry about integration anymore. However, it will not be too easy to join.                 

Rasche @ pixelio

Below you will find in the right column a quadruple translation of the Cologne dialect:
1st) interpretation in standard German,
2nd) a more literal translation in standard German, 
3rd) an English interpretation,
4th) a more literal translation into English.

Article 1

Et es wie et es.

Sieh den Tatsachen ins Auge.

Es ist wie es ist.


Face up to the facts.

It is like it is.


 

Article 2

Et kütt wie et kütt.

Habe keine Angst vor der Zukunft.

Es kommt wie es kommt.


Don't be afraid for the future.

Whatever will be, will be.


 

Article 3

Et hätt noch immer jot jejange.

Lerne aus der Vergangenheit.

Es ist schon immer gut gegangen.


Learn from the past.

It has always worked out.


 

Article 4

Wat fott es, es fott.

Jammere den Dingen nicht nach.

Was weg ist, ist weg.


Don't cry over spilt milk.

Whatever is gone, is gone


 

Article 5

Nix bliev wie et wor.

Sei offen für Neuerungen.

Nichts bleibt wie es war.


Be open to improvements.

Nothing remains as it was.


 

Article 6

Kenne mer nit, bruche mer nit, fott domet.

Seid kritisch, wenn Neuerungen überhand nehmen.

Kennen wir nicht, brauchen wir nicht, fort damit.


Be critical when improvements get the overhand.

What we don't know, we don't need, be gone.


 

Article 7

Wat wellste maache?

Füge dich in dein Schicksal.

Was willst Du machen?


Yield to your fate.

Whaddaya gonna do `gainst it?


 

Article 8

Mach et jot ävver nit ze off.

Achte auf deine Gesundheit.

Mach es gut, aber nicht zu oft.


Take care of your health.

Fare well but not too often.


 

Article 9

Wat soll dä Quatsch?

Stelle immer erst die Universalfrage.

Was soll der Quatsch?


Always, first ask the meaning of life.

What the heck is that?


 

Article 10

Drinkste ene met?

Komme dem Gebot der Gastfreundschaft nach.

Trinkst Du eine mit?


Follow the commandment of hospitality.

Join in! Let's have a drink!


 

Article 11

Do laachste dech kapott.

Bewahre dir eine gesunde Einstellung zum Humor.

Da lachst Du Dich kaputt.


Keep a healthy attitude to humor.

You'll split your sides laughing.


 

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