Dialectal treasures: Discover the diversity of place names in Wörth!

Dialectal treasures: Discover the diversity of place names in Wörth!

On September 30, 2025, the city of Wörth is announcing an exciting series of events that include both cultural and educational elements. The events are intended to promote local culture and appeal to citizens and visitors. A particularly outstanding event is the presentation on the topic "Oudorf, Diaffadohl, Wiad - Woaßt as? Dialectal place names in the Regensburg district", which will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Zinzendorf fire station. Entry is free.

Speaker Dr. Wolfgang Janka from the Bavarian Academy of Sciences will present the internet publication on place names in the Upper Palatinate district. The event aims to explain historical place name spellings, dialect forms and the meaning of these names. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive project that has been working on recording dialect place names in Bavaria since 2021. This project is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Homeland and aims to record previously undocumented dialect place names.

Dialect place names and their meanings

The cooperation between the commission and the Association for Place and Field Name Research in Bavaria e. V. is of central importance for the collection of these names. The association, which was founded in 1977, is supported by the Free State of Bavaria as well as by districts and municipalities. The efforts focus on the collection and scientific evaluation of Bavarian field names. In Bavaria, name research is unique because it is not primarily carried out by state institutions, but by an association that is dedicated to the preservation and research of names.

Research projects, such as the one to record field names in Bavaria, have been carried out since 1988 in cooperation with the House of Bavarian History. The results of these surveys are documented, among other things, in the Bavarian Field Name Book. Supporting communities in preserving field names and taking them into account in rural development processes are further tasks of the association that are of great importance for local identity and history.

Further events in Wörth

In addition to the lecture on place names, there are other interesting events on the program in Wörth. The Kirta dance with the Kerscher musicians will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. A mixture of Bavarian brass music, hits, swing and rock/pop will be offered here at 7.30 p.m. in the Gasthof Butz. Entry is 9 euros.

On the following Saturday, October 25, 2025, the KiW Schlossensemble Svenja Kruse will perform in the Bürgersaal. A musical journey through four genres is planned, with ticket prices of 16 euros in advance and 18 euros at the box office.

A highlight for younger visitors is the picture book cinema with puppet theater on Sunday, October 26, 2025, also in the Bürgersaal, where everything revolves around imagination and stories.

The events provide an excellent opportunity to experience local culture and raise awareness of Bavarian traditions and dialects. Interested citizens are warmly invited to take part in the events and learn more about the rich Bavarian history.

Further information about the events can be found on the city of Wörth website: City of Worth. Details about the project on dialect place names can be found at Bavarian Academy of Sciences as well as about the Association for Place and Field Name Research in Bavaria e. v..