The Kerkrade dialect

The Kerkraad dialect belongs to the Ripuarian-Frankish dialect just like the dialects from Simpelveld and Vaals. The name Ripuarian is derived from the Latin word "ripa" meaning bank. In this case, the right bank of the Rhine is meant. The Romans called the Frankish tribes who lived on the Mittelrhein and its immediate surroundings "Ripuarians.

The Kerkrade dialect is still fairly widely spoken in Kerkrade in all walks of life. That the Kerkrade dialect is still alive and kicking is proven by its use in song lyrics, books, poems, stories and plays. In addition, Kerkrade dialect is inseparable from carnival. There are several associations involved in keeping Kerkrade dialect alive in all its forms, such as the "Dialekverain Kirchröadsjer Plat" and "Dialekverain d'r Wauwel.

Kerkrade dictionary - Kirchröadsjer dieksiejoneer

In order to record the dialect at some point in time so that it would be preserved for posterity and to counteract flattening, a start was made in 1957 to collect typical Kerkrade words and expressions. This eventually led to the publication of a Kerkrade dictionary, the "Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer.

On the initiative of mayor Jo Smeets, the publication of the dictionary gained momentum in mid-1976: the municipality was willing to support the publication of a Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer with manpower and finances. A number of neerlandics and germanists connected with the schools Sancta Maria, St. Antonius Doctor College and Rolduc also gladly provided expert support. 

On October 7, 1986, the "Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer Foundation" was notarized. The purpose of the foundation was twofold: besides the compilation and publication of a Kerkrade dictionary, the promotion of the study and correct use of the Kerkrade dialect. One year later, the first copy of the Dieksiejoneer rolled off the presses. Without exaggeration, it can be said that the Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer set an example for many similar initiatives elsewhere in the country!

The Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer Foundation decided to dissolve itself at the end of 2009, but would like its legacy not to be lost and once again found the municipality of Kerkrade on its side. The municipality actively participates in the municipal dialect working group.

The new dictionary - D'r Nuie Dieksiejoneer

Meanwhile, d'r Nuie Dieksiejoneer is also available. A thick, further elaborated version of the original Dieksiejoneer from the 1980s. A great success for the Dialect Working Group of the Municipality of Kerkrade, because meanwhile the third edition has appeared. A completely new and revised edition with many drawings, expressions, songs and a complete grammar. D'r Nuie Dieksiejoneer is available at the counter of the town office and in various bookstores in Kerkrade.

In addition, the Dieksiejoneer Nederlands-Kerkraads has also been published. For anyone who wants to write in dialect, it is valuable to learn Kerkraads from Dutch. With the appearance of this book, it is possible to learn to write Kerkraads properly.

Kerkrade expressions - Kirchröadsjer Zagenswies

After the Kirchröadsjer Dieksiejoneer Foundation had already published the dictionary of the Kerkrade dialect with great success, it was decided to continue on this path. The rich treasure of collected data lent itself perfectly to a sequel.

A comprehensive glossary of Dutch - Kerkraads appeared in print in 2001, and two years later typical Kerkrade expressions were immortalized in the book "Kirchröadsjer Zagenswies."

Download the book Kirchröadsjer Zagenswies

Spelling check Kerkrade dialect

Also included with d'r Nuie Dieksiejoneer is a glossary that you can add to the spell checker on your computer. This way, the spelling of Kerkrade words is checked as you type. 

Download the spelling checker glossary

Installation is as follows: 

  1. Open Microsoft Word;
  2. Go to File > Options > Control;
  3. Click on the custom word lists button and select the file CUSTOM.dic;
  4. Select the path name that appears at the bottom of the screen and copy it;
  5. Open the explorer;
  6. Paste the path you just copied into the address bar and hit enter;
  7. Open the file CUSTOM.dic with Notepad;
  8. Open the glossary of Kirchröatsjer wöad in Notepad;
  9. Select all words;
  10. Paste the words into the CUSTOM.dic file;
  11. Save and close the file.

See also Microsoft's explanation