If you go to Oktoberfest, you’re going to sing Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit about 500 times. It’s the anthem of the beer tents, blasted by every band every twenty minutes. You’ll shout it until your throat is sore and your stein is empty (again). And honestly? That’s the point.

This little song is pure Bavarian crowd control. It keeps the party rolling, gets everyone drinking on cue, and makes sure you don’t just sit there like a clueless tourist. Let’s break it down so you can sing, toast, and 'Prost!' with confidence.

Here’s a simple guide to the song’s lyrics, so you can easily learn how to join in. We’ll highlight the key words of Ein Prosit and explain their meaning, making it easy for anyone to sing along.

a happy woman wearing a custom made dirndl in germany singing a german song and holding a liter stein

Ein Prosit Lyrics

Easy mode karaoke in German:

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Then the alternative closing phrase you’ll yell without thinking: “Oans, zwoa, drei… gsuffa!” (one, two, three… drink!).

Sometimes you’ll hear extra shouts like “Prost ihr Säcke!” (cheers, you bastards) or “Prost du Sack!” (cheers, you jerk). Don’t panic—no one’s actually calling you names. It’s Oktoberfest trash talk, and it’s all part of the vibe. Occasionally, the band or crowd might even shout something as outrageous as "ball sack" just to keep the playful banter going.

Woman wearing a traditional dirndl holding two steins of beer in munich at the oktoberfest festivals

English Translation of Ein Prosit

  • Prosit = cheers (from Latin, “may it be good for you,” aka to your health or well being)

  • Gemütlichkeit = coziness, warmth, that fuzzy friendly feeling after a Maß or two

So the whole thing? “A toast to good times and well-being.”

The Beer Tent Ritual

Here’s the choreography:

  • Band calling: “Die Krüge hoch!” (raise your mugs). Do it.

  • Sing like you mean it…. even if you have the singing voice of an injured cat.

  • Clink your steins together and don’t forget to make eye contact!

  • Sip (or gulp). Don’t fake it (or do... you know you and those Oktoberfest beers and no Bud Lite!)

Sometimes the band will shout “schenkt ein, trinkt aus” (“pour up, drink up”) to keep the momentum going, encouraging everyone to have their drinks poured and then drink together as part of the celebration. Basically, no one is leaving sober (unless you’re the DD and drinking water like a responsible human).

Group of people toast together at germany's oktoberfest wearing dirndl and lederhosen in unison

Where This German Classic Came From

Plot twist: Ein Prosit didn’t even start in Bavaria. A German journalist named Georg Kunoth wrote it in Bremen in the late 1800s.

In 1898, a Munich tent boss named Georg Lang grabbed the tune, threw it at a brass band, and handed out songbooks. The crowd went wild, and Ein Prosit became the official soundtrack of Oktoberfest.

How Often Is It Played?

All. The. Time. Expect to hear it 2–3 times every hour. If the crowd's energy dips, the band will strike it up again like musical smelling salts.

Blonde woman in a beer tent during the day drinking a liter of beer at a table listening to the ein prosit song in an authentic dirndl

Other Oktoberfest Songs & Music You’ll Belt Out

Music at the Weisn' isn’t all oom-pah. Between rounds of Ein Prosit, you’ll find yourself screaming along to:

  • Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver (why? no idea, but it works)

  • Angels – Robbie Williams (a drunk group therapy session)

  • I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (and yes, you would walk it by now)

  • Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (so good! so good! so good!)

It’s chaotic, it’s random, and it’s glorious.

 

Oktoberfest Food & Drink: What Fuels the Festivities

Step into any Oktoberfest beer tent and you’ll be greeted by a feast for the senses: the clink of steins, the hum of German music, and the irresistible aroma of sizzling sausages and fresh-baked pretzels. Oktoberfest isn’t just about the music and the singing, it’s a full-on celebration of Bavarian food, legendary beers, and the kind of communal cheer that brings strangers together at long wooden tables.

The heart of the festival is the shared experience. As the band calls out “Prost ihr Säcke!” and the crowd fires back with “Prost du Sack!” in unison, you’ll find yourself swept up in the ritual of raising your mug, joining the toast, and savoring the moment. It’s all about der Gemütlichkeit—well-being, warmth, and good company. The English translation of “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” says it all: “A toast to well-being.” Every time you hear the band perform the song, it’s your cue to join in, clink glasses, and enjoy another round.

But what’s a toast without something delicious to eat? Oktoberfest delivers with a menu that’s as hearty as it is iconic. Classic bratwurst, crispy schnitzel, and a variety of sandwiches are just the beginning. Giant pretzels, tangy sauerkraut, and roasted meats fill the air with mouthwatering scents, while platters of Bavarian and Austrian specialties make their way down the table. Whether you prefer a traditional German dish or want to sample something new, there’s something for every appetite.

Of course, the real star of the show is the beer. Each tent pours its own selection of German brews served in massive Maßkrüge (liter steins) that are practically a workout to lift. When the band shouts “schenkt ein, trinkt aus!” (pour up, drink up!), it’s your signal to fill your glass and join the crowd in another round of cheer. The ritual of toasting, drinking, and singing together is what makes Oktoberfest unforgettable.

If you’re planning your visit, the official Oktoberfest site is packed with information about the year’s festivities, including guides to the beer tents, food stalls, and music stages. Whether you’re there for a day or the whole festival, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your time... right down to the best times to hear “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” (hint: it’s played at least drei times an hour!).

So grab a seat at the table, raise your stein, and let the band lead you in song. With every toast, every bite, and every cheer, you’ll be part of a tradition that’s all about happiness, togetherness, and the simple joy of sharing good food and drink. Prost!

Oktoberfest Playlist

Want the real vibe? Ashley from MyWanderlustyLife made a Spotify playlist loaded with Bavarian classics and random English bangers. Blast it while you pre-game or cry into your pretzel because you’re not in Munich.

👉 Listen on Spotify

Blogger ashley smiling and posing during the most wonderful fest of the year, oktoberfest in germany

At the end of the day, singing Ein Prosit is less about perfect pitch and more about joining the fun. Whether you’re belting it out in a Munich beer tent or streaming the playlist at home, the real magic is in raising your glass, laughing with friends, and feeling that Gemütlichkeit. And let’s be real... everything feels better when you’re doing it in a fabulous dirndl. Because a good song, a full stein, and a killer outfit? That’s the real Oktoberfest trifecta.

September 04, 2025 — Erika Neumayer

Comments

PETER DIETRICH said:

OKTOBERFEST SURE HAS CHANGED SINCE WAS I THERE!!(1959)

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