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The Cactus Guide to Oktoberfest

Top 10 Tips for Oktoberfest Fun

With Oktoberfest in full swing (17th September to 3rd October) Cactus has some top tips on what to do, wear, eat and what German expressions you cannot do without!

1. Entrance is free. Beer is not free.

To enter the festival and beer tents is free of charge – a couple of beers and chicken will cost you around 35 euros – remember to take cash.

2. Choose your friends carefully

The tents get very busy, the smaller the group you are in, the quicker and easier it is to get a seat.

3. Impress them with your German

How to ask for a table in a tent: Entschuldigung, ist hier wohl noch ein Platz frei für mich und meine Freunde? (Excuse me, but is there room for me and my friends here?)

4. Leave the car at home

Definitely travel there by public transport. You can go by train (S-bahn) or by underground (U-Bahn) Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zur Festwiese? (Excuse me, how do I get to the Oktoberfest?)

5. Stay away from the schnapps

The festival also offers wine, cider, soft drinks and schnapps. However, if you’re drinking schnapps and trying to keep up with the beer drinkers you are likely to end up on the floor with very little memory of the festival.

6. How to get thrown out

You are not allowed to dance on the tables. So don’t try it, unless you want security to remove you from the tent.

7. How to look like a tourist

Do go in traditional costume such as Lederhos’n (for the men) and Dirndl (for the women). Don’t wear silly Oktoberfest hats – you will look like a tourist.

8. What to eat

Do try the classic Wiesn-Hendl (grilled chicken) or the Ochsenbraterei (Ox Burger).

9. Impress them some more with your German

Ordering food and drink: (Ein, zwei, drei, vier, fünf) Bier, bitte! (One, two, three, four, five) beers, please! (Ein, zwei, drei, vier, fünf) Wiesn-Hendl, bitte! (One, two, three, four, five) chicken, please!

10. Prost!

The most useful expression at Oktoberfest: Prost! (Cheers!)

Contact Us

If Oktoberfest inspires you to visit Germany and pick up some useful German, Cactus Language has German language courses in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and a number of other German cities. To find out more information simply call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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