North Dakotans don’t speak a different language from other states, but our dialect is heavily influenced by a few other languages. That results in our using some words most people wouldn’t be able to pronounce. If you’ve lived in the Peace Garden State all of your life, then you definitely can pronounce these specific words, plus you even know exactly how to say certain city names that might trip an out-of-stater up. Are you familiar with North Dakota pronunciation? Do you know the correct way to say the following words?

1. Kuchen
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Who doesn't love a delicious slice of kuchen for dessert? If you don't know how this is pronounced, you're probably going to pronounce it wrong on your first try. It's not at all pronounced how it is spelled, and a true North Dakotan would definitely know that.
2. Minot
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
You'd be surprised at the amount of out-of-staters who assume this should be pronounced in a French way or similar to a minnow fish. Us North Dakotans know that certainly isn't the case or there wouldn't be the catchy, rhyming phrase of "Why not Minot?"
3. Sakakawea
NDPRD/Flickr
This seems pretty normal to a North Dakotan. We all know about Lake Sakakawea and its namesake of who helped the famous Lewis and Clark on their travels. But most of the rest of the country would refer to her as "Sacagawea" and probably wouldn't know what Sakakawea even sounds like.

Related Stories

Best Waterfalls in North Dakota: 8 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems 

Best Waterfalls in North Dakota: 8 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems 

 This Speakeasy Hidden In A Restaurant's Basement In North Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Restaurant's Basement In North Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night

 Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In North Dakota

Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In North Dakota
4. Wahpeton
Boston Public Library/Flickr
Here's a town name that seems to confuse people who don't know how to pronounce or spell it correctly. It's not "wah-petin" or "wap-etin." And when spelling it, don't leave out the "h."
5. Fleischkuekle
Visit Grand Forks/Facebook
This tasty treat is a North Dakota favorite, but anyone who has never encountered the word before would probably struggle to pronounce it. It's definitely not pronounced exactly the way it looks.
6. Lutefisk
mtcarlson/Flickr
Speaking of North Dakota foods, this one may not be a favorite (and most people wouldn't consider it a "tasty treat" either), but if you've lived in this state your entire life, you likely know how to pronounce it correctly. It's not "loot-fisk." It's "loo-teh-fisk."
7. Knoephla
Erica Hager/Flickr
One more unusual food name that North Dakotans usually know how to pronounce is knoephla. Despite its various spellings, a lot of outsiders might pronounce it with an emphasis on the "o" in the first syllable. Instead, it should be pronounced like "neh-fla."

How many of these words did you already know how to pronounce? What other words do you think non-North Dakotans don’t know how to pronounce? If you can think of any, please share them with us in the comments below. Also, if you already knew these words, you may also be familiar with these classic North Dakota phrases.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

north dakota pronunciation

Jennifer Young | July 22, 2022

What are three phrases or words only North Dakotans can say, along with their meanings?

There's something truly special about the North Dakotan language. Like most other states, many words spoken by North Dakota natives sound a bit strange. In fact, most are words only North Dakotans can say. Listed below are three of those words/phrases, including their meanings.

1. Uff da!

Uff da! is the phrase that someone uses whenever they're surprised or do something that's quite clumsy. It's usually used in place of a groan and indicates disgust.

2. Sakakawea

Sakakawea is the name of Lake Sakakawea, a popular lake in North Dakota. This lake is also the namesake of a state park in North Dakota - Lake Sakakawea State Park. Most people who don't live in North Dakota, or aren't from North Dakota, usually pronounce this word as "Sacagawea."

3. Shelter Belt

Even though "shelter belt" is easy to pronounce, most people who aren't from North Dakota might be unaware of its meaning. Shelter belts are not types of wearable belts. Instead, a shelter belt is simply the row of trees or line of shrubs that are planted in between fields that block strong winds from ruining them.

What are three food words North Dakotans say weird?

There are many North Dakota words that will certainly leave you scratching your head in wonder, including several food words. There's something quite special about the foods served here in North Dakota. They definitely have a language all of their own. Listed below are three food words that North Dakotans say weird, along with their meanings.

1. Knoephla

Knoephla is a creamy dumpling and potato soup that's perfect for eating on a cold night. If you've never tried it, you must! It'll soon become one of your favorite soups.

2. Fleischkuekle

Fleischkuekle is a Russian-German meat-filled pastry. Most North Dakota restaurants serve this dish because it's so delicious.

3. Kuchen

Kuchen is simply a cake. It's available in a variety of delicious flavors. From apple and cherry, to chocolate chip and peach, there's a flavor for everyone.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
North Dakota, USA