Mestreechter Geis
Find the 'spirit' of the city
The Mestreechter Geis is the unique character of Maastricht and its inhabitants that is hard to put into words. It means something different to everyone and at the same time connects Maastricht people with each other. One thing is certain: when you are in Maastricht, you automatically feel the Mestreechter Mestreechter Geis.
What is the Mestreechter Geis?
That indescribable feeling you get with Maastricht, that is the Mestreechter Geis. It can mean something different for everyone: the love for the city, the Maastricht dialect, local traditions such as carnival or the way Maastricht people enjoy life, get together, have fun and interact with each other with cordiality and humour. It's everything that makes Maastricht the city it is.
Mestreechter Geis statue
A statue reflecting the Mestreechter Geis can be seen on a small square in Maastricht's Stokstraat district. This statue was created by sculptor Mari Andriessen in 1955. In 1962, the statue was placed at Stokstraat and Maastrichter Smedenstraat as a gift to the then mayor Willem baron Michiels van Kessenich on the occasion of his 25th anniversary in office.
More on the image
The Maastricht dialect
An important part of the Mestreechter Geis is the local dialect. Walking around Maastricht, you cannot escape the centuries-old dialect that is still very much alive and spoken in the city. A 2020 survey by Veldeke Limburg found that more than 65% of Maastrichters still speak the language on a daily basis. The dialect has been written since the 18th century and is still being written. In fact, the Maastricht dialect is one of the best documented dialects in the Netherlands.
Want to speak a word of Maastricht too? We'll get you started with this quick course in dialect:
How to visit Maastricht - dialect guidelines
Where can I get a nice cup of coffee?
Where can I get a nice cup of coffee?
Boe kin iech e lekker teske koffie drinke?
Hey, how are you?
Hey, how are you?
Hey, who is it?
I bought some nice flowers on the market
I bought some nice flowers on the market
Iech höb sjoen blömkes gekoch op de merret
Want to join me for a drink?
Will you join me for a drink?
Geiste mètt eine pitse?
Can I give you a little kiss?
Can I give you a little kiss?
Maag iech diech e puneke geve?
Can you show me the road to the St. John's Church?
Can you show me the road to the St. Janskerk?
Kint g'r miech de weg nao de St. Jaan wieze?
Where can I get a nice piece of 'vlaai'?
Where can I get a nice piece of 'vlaai'?
Boe get iech e lekker stökske vlaj?
I had the best view from the St. Pietersberg
I had the best view
from the St. Pietersberg
I had the best view
from the St. Pietersberg
More dialect, - every Tuesday
Locals have their say
Maastricht locals are naturally the right people to tell you what the Mestreechter Geis stands for for them. We are happy to let them have their say.
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Maastricht Store
To the webshopThe Maastricht Store features numerous products related to the Mestreechter Geis. From a miniature version of the statue to crockery, t-shirts and much more with Maastricht dialect on them.
Discover more - About the Geis
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Hat Time Stories
The best stories come from Maastricht. That is why 'Hat Time Stories' was created. The red beret travels through Maastricht and tells you the best stories, anecdotes or events from Maastricht. Are you listening?
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Typical Maastricht gifts
Looking for a local gift? We have listed the nicest and most unusual Maastricht gifts for you.
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Nonnevotte: sweet tradition from Maastricht
One of Limburg's tastiest traditions: Nonnevotte! Find out where, when and how to eat them here.
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Family spirit prevails in André Rieu's orchestra
The musicians of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, with whom André Rieu tours the world, feel they are members of one musical family.
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Carnival in Maastricht
Carnival, also called Vastelaovend in Limburg dialect, is Maastricht's most exuberant celebration.