Hamburger Plattdeutsch Tag — Hamborger Plattdüütsch Dag

Hamburg in Low German

More than 100,000 people in Hamburg still speak Low German today. The Hanseatic language tradition has its roots in medieval Low German, and still shapes the port culture, folk songs, and urban vocabulary today — yet it needs every opportunity to stay alive. The Hamborger Plattdüütsch Dag is the Hanseatic city's most important such occasion.

60+ Events Across the City

More than 60 events take place in one day — readings, concerts, plays, church services, discussions, and hands-on workshops. The program items are spread across all seven districts and venues from the Hafencity to Bergedorf, from Altona to Hamburg-Nord. The organizers' motto: "ok dor, wo keeneen dat överhaupt vermoden deit" — even where no one would expect it.

2026: 5th Edition and New Prize

Following editions in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024, the 5th Hamborger Plattdüütsch Dag will take place in 2026. For the first time, the Hartmut Cyriacks Prize for translation into Low German will be awarded — endowed with €5,000, named after the Low German author and translator Hartmut Cyriacks, who passed away in 2024.

Organizers and Participation

• platt.hamburg / Plattdüütschroot för Hamborg
• Ministry for Science, Research, Equality and Districts
• Libraries, schools, churches, and stages throughout the city
• Participation possible via [email protected]

More Than Folklore

The Plattdüütsch Dag is not a nostalgic format. It brings together schoolchildren, radio play creators, theatre ensembles, pastors, songwriters, and Low German teachers — and makes it audible and experienceable that the Low German language is a living cultural asset of Hamburg even in the 21st century.