Prime Minister Lies publicizes his preferred motto during Platt interview

In the native region of Lower Saxony's government head, a significant amount of Low Saxon dialect is used. Olaf Lies finds this difficult at times, he admits - but a particular phrase about leather leaves him pleased.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 11:03 AM

2 min read

Prime Minister Lies shares his preferred quotation in an interview on Platt

Prime Minister Lies publicizes his preferred motto during Platt interview

Lower Saxony's Minister President, Olaf Lies, has taken on a new role as the patron of the annual "Freedag is Plattdag" action. This event, which traditionally takes place on Fridays in September, is an initiative aimed at promoting the use of Low Saxon in everyday conversations.

The "Freedag is Plattdag" action enjoys the support of regional associations, regional state offices for schools, and education. Its primary objective is to encourage people in Lower Saxony who speak Low Saxon to speak as much of it as possible on Fridays.

Klaus Wellmann, the initiator of the campaign, has planned posters, postcards, and teaching materials in Low Saxon for the action. This year, these resources will be particularly useful, as the action encourages people to speak Low Saxon, even with conversation partners they usually speak High German with.

Olaf Lies, a member of the SPD, has shown his commitment to the cause by sharing a favourite Low Saxon saying with the German Press Agency: "Ut anner Lüü Leer is good Reem snieden!" This translates to "You can cut good straps from other people's leather" in High German, and it means that it's always easier to spend other people's money.

Despite finding speaking Low Saxon a bit more challenging, Olaf Lies understands it quite well. In fact, the statement regarding his language skills comes from the state chancellery. His continuous effort to improve his Low Saxon speaking skills is evident, as he shared another saying: "Doon deit lehren!" - "Practice makes perfect!"

Olaf Lies believes that the lessons learned from the "Freedag is Plattdag" action should not be limited to language use but should also be considered in politics. At his home in Sande, he speaks only East Frisian Low Saxon with his visiting friends.

The "Freedag is Plattdag" action is not just about promoting a regional language; it's about keeping Low Saxon visible and audible. By participating in this action, people are not only celebrating their heritage but also contributing to its preservation. This year, let's join Olaf Lies in celebrating Low Saxon and encouraging its use in our daily lives.