The Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch share roots, but they’re not the same.
Many people assume that “Amish” and “Pennsylvania Dutch” are interchangeable terms, but they actually describe two distinct groups with different histories, cultures, and lifestyles. While both have deep ties to German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, not all Pennsylvania Dutch are Amish, and not all Amish identify as Pennsylvania Dutch.
The key differences come down to religion, language, and way of life. The Amish live a strict, faith-based existence with rules about technology and modern conveniences, while Pennsylvania Dutch culture is a broader term that includes non-Amish groups who embrace aspects of modern American life. If you’ve ever wondered what sets these two apart, here are 10 key differences between the Amish and the Pennsylvania Dutch.
1. The Amish are a religious group, while Pennsylvania Dutch is a cultural identity.
The Amish are a Christian religious sect that follows a strict interpretation of faith, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and separation from the modern world, as reported by PBS. Their communities follow specific rules, known as the Ordnung, which govern dress, technology, and lifestyle choices.
The Pennsylvania Dutch, on the other hand, are not a single religious group. They are a broad cultural community descended from German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. While some Pennsylvania Dutch people are Amish, many others are Lutheran, Mennonite, or belong to other Protestant denominations.
2. Pennsylvania Dutch people can use modern technology, while the Amish limit it.
One of the most obvious differences between the Amish and other Pennsylvania Dutch communities is their approach to technology. The Amish famously avoid modern conveniences such as electricity, cars, and telephones in their homes. They believe that staying disconnected from the outside world helps them maintain a simple, humble lifestyle devoted to God.
Pennsylvania Dutch people who are not Amish have no such restrictions, according to Discover Lancaster. They use modern technology, drive cars, own businesses, and participate fully in contemporary American society. While they may celebrate their heritage through food, festivals, and traditions, they do not separate themselves from modern conveniences.
3. The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, but not all Pennsylvania Dutch are Amish.
Pennsylvania Dutch is a dialect of German that has been spoken in the U.S. for over 300 years, based on the findings at PA Dutch. The Amish still use this language in their daily lives, especially in the home and within their communities. They also learn English for interacting with outsiders but prefer to keep their native dialect alive.
However, not all Pennsylvania Dutch people speak Pennsylvania Dutch today. Many non-Amish Pennsylvania Dutch families have lost the language over generations, especially as they integrated into mainstream American culture. Today, Pennsylvania Dutch is more commonly associated with the Amish and Old Order Mennonites.
4. Amish communities live separately, while Pennsylvania Dutch people integrate.
The Amish live in tight-knit, rural communities, often in farming settlements where they can maintain their traditions without outside influence. Their homes, schools, and churches are separate from mainstream society, and they often rely on horse-drawn buggies instead of cars.
Pennsylvania Dutch people who are not Amish live much like any other American. They reside in cities and towns, hold regular jobs, and send their children to public schools. While they may still celebrate Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, they do not live apart from the rest of society.
5. The Amish dress in plain clothing, while Pennsylvania Dutch wear modern attire.
Amish clothing is simple, modest, and uniform. Men typically wear plain shirts, suspenders, and broad-brimmed hats, while women wear long dresses, bonnets, and aprons. They avoid bright colors and patterns, believing that modesty and uniformity help keep the focus on faith rather than vanity.
Pennsylvania Dutch people outside of Amish communities dress like any other Americans. There are no restrictions on clothing, and traditional attire is usually only worn during cultural events or historical reenactments. Their connection to heritage is expressed more through food, music, and festivals rather than strict dress codes.
6. The Amish avoid higher education, while Pennsylvania Dutch embrace it.
Amish children typically end their formal education at the eighth grade, as their communities believe that practical skills are more important than academic learning. Amish schools focus on reading, writing, math, and religious instruction, preparing students for life within their community.
Pennsylvania Dutch families, however, place no restrictions on education. Many pursue higher education, professional careers, and academic achievements. Unlike the Amish, they see education as a path to success rather than a potential threat to their way of life.
7. Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions are widespread, but the Amish keep things simple.
Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is famous across the U.S., with dishes like shoofly pie, pretzels, and chicken pot pie. Many Pennsylvania Dutch families own restaurants, bakeries, and food businesses that keep these culinary traditions alive for the public to enjoy.
While the Amish also enjoy traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods, their approach to cooking is simpler. They focus on hearty, home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients, often grown on their own farms. Their food traditions are centered around self-sufficiency rather than commercial appeal.
8. The Amish avoid military service, while Pennsylvania Dutch have served in wars.
The Amish are pacifists who reject violence and refuse to serve in the military. Their religious beliefs emphasize peace and nonresistance, which has led them to seek conscientious objector status during times of war. Instead, Amish men often perform alternative service, such as working in hospitals or community programs.
Many Pennsylvania Dutch families, however, have a long history of military service. Throughout American history, Pennsylvania Dutch men have fought in wars, including the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Unlike the Amish, they do not hold strict pacifist beliefs.
9. Pennsylvania Dutch celebrate mainstream holidays, while Amish celebrations are simpler.
Christmas, Easter, and other major holidays are widely celebrated by Pennsylvania Dutch communities, often with big gatherings, festive decorations, and traditional foods. Many also celebrate local heritage events that highlight their German roots.
The Amish, however, take a more modest approach to holidays. They celebrate religious occasions like Christmas and Easter but do so quietly, focusing on faith and family rather than commercial aspects. Their celebrations tend to involve prayer, home-cooked meals, and spending time with loved ones.
10. The Amish are a small group, while Pennsylvania Dutch culture includes millions.
The Amish population is relatively small, with about 350,000 members across North America. Their strict way of life means that their numbers grow mainly through family expansion rather than outside conversions. They remain a distinct and separate community.
Pennsylvania Dutch culture, on the other hand, includes millions of descendants of German immigrants. While not all actively practice Pennsylvania Dutch traditions today, many still embrace aspects of their heritage through food, festivals, and family history. Unlike the Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch identity does not require a specific lifestyle or religious commitment.