“The proverbial German word gemütlichkeit is difficult to explain,” says the Germany National Travel Board. “But you won’t go far wrong if you think of good food, good company, a drink or two and plenty of time to enjoy it all.” It can also imply a feeling of well-being and peace in an atmosphere of social acceptance.

Germans can pack a lot of meaning in one word, admittedly very long and convoluted words.

This antique postcard, from long-gone Milwaukee printer E.C. Kropp Co., explains how to get your party on, Milwaukee style: “A cool glass of beer, A joyful cheer, A hearty joke, A good smoke, A chat but no fight, That’s what we call “Gemuetlichkeit.” And, adds the footnote, “This is no bull.”

Happy 4th!