Do You Know These Amish Words & Traditions?

See them all on Suddenly Amish, now streaming on HBO Max and Discovery Plus!

March 04, 2026

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: TLC

As Seen (and Heard) On Suddenly Amish

Suddenly Amish provides us with a closer look at Amish life and with that comes plenty of Pennsylvania Dutch words that may be new to you. Curious what it all means? Here’s your inside look at the Amish words and customs featured on the show!

"Ordnung"

From the German word for "order," ordnung is an unwritten set of rules that guide daily life, behavior, and traditions. It keeps the Amish community close, humble, and separated from the modern world by covering everything from clothing and technology to cars and electricity. Usually, the Bishop is in charge of deciding the ordnungs for each community.

"Shunned"

Shunning is how the Amish discipline others who break church rules, ordnung, or leave the faith. It’s considered the ultimate punishment and involves a lot of shame. When someone is shunned, they have limited contact with their Amish community. They aren’t allowed to share meals, business, or even gifts as a way to encourage them to repent and return. While shunning is meant to restore, not punish, it can strain families and last until the person repents or leaves the Amish permanently.

"English"

A term used to refer to anyone who is not Amish.

"Nachbar"

Nachbar means "neighbor" in German, but for the Amish, it’s so much more. It’s about shared faith, trust, and showing up when someone needs help. Whether that’s support during an emergency or offering up extra resources, nachsbar is central to their faith and their community.

"Gelassenheit"

This is the Amish belief about letting go of ego, pride, and the need to be in control. It means accepting hardships and yielding to God, the community, and tradition with humility, tranquility, and calm. Instead of chasing individual success, it focuses on contentment, modesty, and putting the good of the community first.

"Bishop"

An Amish bishop is the top spiritual leader of a community. They oversee guiding the Amish community and enforcing the Ordnung. They lead baptisms, marriages, and services, as well as provide spiritual guidance and help uphold traditions. Bishops aren’t paid pastors, and they serve for life.

"Rumspringa"

Means "running around" in Pennsylvania Dutch and is the Amish teen rite of passage that begins around age 16. It’s the Amish teens' chance to explore more freedom, hang out with friends, and even peek at the English world before deciding to stay Amish. Think of it as a mix of socializing, testing boundaries, and figuring out life as a young Amish person.

"Schlect Prophecy"

The Amish believe this is a "bad prophecy" or a warning from God. In one episode, bats are found inside a house, and everyone panics because bats are considered a sign of bad luck or even death. To the Amish, spotting a bat indoors isn’t just creepy, it’s seen as a divine warning, signaling caution or an upcoming misfortune.