Yiddish Dictionary

Yiddish is a language that has words and phrases which have found their way into the mainstream communication of the United States. It has even made its way into some pop culture, like when character Linda Richman (Mike Myers) would get “ferklempt” during Saturday Night Live skits in the 1990s.

According to the definition provided by YourDictionary, Yiddish is spoken mainly by Eastern European Jews and their descendants. It is a Hebrew language with parts borrowed from Hebrew, Russian, Polish, and other languages.

Persons studying Jewish culture, languages, and traditions may find it useful to learn about the history of Yiddish. Torah students may also want to learn various aspects of the language. Academics studying Hebrew or a related language can benefit from a basic understanding of Yiddish. Religious converts may find it easier to assimilate into the church if they understand Yiddish phrases and words.

Finding an Online Yiddish Dictionary

YourDictionary provides a listing of recommended resources for the Yiddish language in the Languages section. While some common Yiddish words can be looked up in the main dictionary, it is best to seek out a specialty dictionary for more extensive use. Dictionaries included on the YourDictionary list include:

• Yiddish Dictionary Online: Options for searching out a Yiddish word include searching by English word, Yiddish spelling of a word in English letters, or using the Hebrew letters. You can search by Roman, Hebrew, or English letters as well. Resulting information after typing in an English word includes the Romanized spelling of Yiddish, pronunciation, part of speech, and a link to more information. Results may also be multiple if the word is part of a phrase or has several definitions. See the grammar tables section for more information on practical use of the language.
• English-Yiddish-English Online Dictionary: Translate back and forth between English and Yiddish with this conversion site. It does take a few moments for the results to load. Actual definitions are not provided for the results.

More Online Yiddish Dictionaries

Additional websites are available for finding Yiddish terms and definitions   including:

• Yiddish Dictionary: A large alphabetical listing of Yiddish phrases and expressions. English translations are provided.
• Yiddish Dictionary of Words, Phrases, Expressions & Slang: Regularly used words and phrases are defined in this short glossary. Find terms that have made their way into mainstream culture like “bubkis,” “kvetch,” “shlep,” and “tuchis.”

Yiddish is an expressive language that often employs much emotion in pronunciation. To learn more about the history of Judaism and Yiddish, visit the Yiddish Language and Culture page from Judaism 101.

The Yiddish language is one that has survived for hundreds of years. Not only has it found a home with the millions of present day speakers, but also worked its way into the everyday vernacular of English speaking people.