The Kölsch Constitution is a set of eleven sayings that sum up the Cologne approach to life. Part survival guide, part local wisdom, it captures the humour, attitude and character of the city. No one knows exactly who came up with the sayings or when they first appeared.

Article 1: Et es wie et es.
(“It is what it is.”)
Face the facts. Some things simply cannot be changed.

Article 2: Et kütt wie et kütt.
(“Whatever comes, comes.”)
Accept what you cannot control and see what happens.

Article 3: Et hätt noch emmer joot jejange.
(“It has always worked out somehow.”)
If it worked yesterday, chances are it will work tomorrow too. Or sometimes: we know it is not perfect, but it will probably be fine.

Article 4: Wat fott es, es fott.
(“What is gone is gone.”)
Do not waste your time looking back. Move on.

Article 5: Et bliev nix wie et wor.
(“Nothing stays the way it was.”)
Be open to change and new ideas.

Article 6: Kenne mer nit, bruche mer nit, fott domet.
(“Don’t know it, don’t need it, get rid of it.”)
But do not accept every new idea without question.

Article 7: Wat willste maache?
“What can you do?”
Sometimes you simply have to accept things as they are.

Article 8: Maach et joot, ävver nit zo off.
(“Do it well, but not too often.”)
Quality over quantity.

Article 9: Wat soll dä Kwatsch?
(“What’s all this nonsense?”)
When in doubt, ask the universal Cologne question.

Article 10: Drinkste eine met?
(“Fancy a drink?”)
Hospitality matters. Invite someone to join you for a Kölsch.

Article 11: Do laachs de disch kapott.
(“You’ll laugh yourself silly.”)
Whatever happens, never lose your sense of humour.