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🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Oktoberfest: Bow left, bow right, the dirndl code

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • At Oktoberfest, a dirndl bow on the left traditionally signals that the wearer is single, while one on the right indicates she is married, engaged, or in a relationship.
  • A bow in front can indicate virginity or concealment of relationship status, while one tied at the back can signal widowhood or that the wearer is a server.
  • Experts say the code emerged in the 1980s and lacks firm historical evidence, while interpretations vary by region and traditional costume association.

At Oktoberfest, a small detail on a dirndl can become a flirtation signal. The position of the apron bow is commonly read as a message about the wearer’s relationship status, provided she knows about the code and intends to use it.

A bow on the left traditionally means the wearer is single or open to contact. On the right, it signals that she is engaged, married, or otherwise in a relationship. A bow tied at the front, in the center, once traditionally indicated virginity. Some women also wear it there to avoid revealing their status. A bow at the back is associated with widowhood, and is also often worn by servers.

I like the bow code. As a Bavarian, I grew up with the Wiesn and traditions like these. For me, it is simply part of it. I find it charming that such a small detail can send a message.

· Cathy HummelsThe influencer and regular Oktoberfest visitor explained why she likes the dirndl bow custom while keeping her own bow position secret.

There is no equally established male version, according to Axel Munz, managing director of the traditional clothing maker Angermaier. Modern interpretations involving edelweiss or pretzel pins exist, but they are less clear, vary by region, and remain little known. Munz says an edelweiss pin can represent loyalty, love, and connection, while a pretzel pin suggests openness and a love of life, implying that the wearer is single.

The bow code is apparently a relatively recent story. It apparently emerged only in the 1980s, and there was and is no specific reason.

· Thomas ApplThe Upper Palatinate regional heritage official questioned the custom’s claims to historical depth.

Influencer and regular Oktoberfest visitor Cathy Hummels said she likes the bow code. “I like the bow code. As a Bavarian, I grew up with the Wiesn and traditions like these. For me, it is simply part of it. I find it charming that such a small detail can send a message,” she said, while keeping secret where her own bow would sit this year.

The custom, however, is not an ancient tradition. Thomas Appl, a regional heritage official in Upper Palatinate, said it apparently emerged only in the 1980s, without a specific reason. Munz said the bow originally served simply to tie the apron, usually at the front or back center. The flirtation code developed later and spread through tourism and folk festivals. Its meaning can differ across regions and costume associations. Alexander Wandinger of Upper Bavaria’s traditional costume advisory service has criticized the hype surrounding the code.

The bow originally served only to tie the apron.

· Axel MunzThe Angermaier managing director described the practical origin of the dirndl bow before its later flirtation meaning.
About this summary

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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