The ultimate guide to German Christmas vocabulary
As the year draws to a close, we approach the heartwarming Christmas season. This blog post is your ultimate guide to mastering German Christmas vocabulary, ensuring you can immerse yourself in the celebrations with authentic flair. So, let’s begin our journey into the festive lexicon!
Weihnachten
Understanding German Christmas vocabulary begins with the term "Weihnachten," the German word for "Christmas." Derived from "weih" (holy) and "Nacht" (night), "Weihnachten" encapsulates the sanctity of the season.
das Weihnachten - Christmas
frohe Weihnachten / frohes Fest - merry Christmas
Recommended study materials on the topic:
Basic and advanced vocabulary based on topics A1-B2 (including English translation)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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The time before Christmas in Germany
Let's explore the essential German Christmas vocabulary for the "Vorweihnachtszeit" (the time leading up to Christmas).
Der Adventskranz
The Adventskranz, or "Advent wreath," is a meaningful symbol in Germany and German-speaking areas during the Advent season, typically featuring an evergreen wreath with four candles, one lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas, marking the anticipation and preparation for the holiday.
Der Adventskalender
Der Adventskalender, or "Advent calendar," is a cherished tradition in Germany and beyond. It features a decorative calendar with small numbered doors or windows, revealing daily surprises, like gifts or chocolates, building anticipation for Christmas each day.
Die Weihnachtskarte
A "Weihnachtskarte," or "Christmas card," is a cherished tradition in Germany and German-speaking regions, exchanged among friends and family to share warm holiday wishes. These cards often feature festive designs and heartfelt messages, making them a special way to connect and spread joy during Christmas.
Der Weihnachtsmarkt
A Weihnachtsmarkt, or "Christmas market," is a cherished holiday tradition, where visitors can enjoy festive food, gifts, and the joyous atmosphere during the Advent season in Germany. These markets bring people together to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Die Weihnachtsfeier
"Die Weihnachtsfeier" means "Christmas celebration" in German. It refers to gatherings, parties, or events mostly held before the Christmas holiday to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit with friends, family, or colleagues.
Vocabulary:
der Adventskranz - Advent wreath
der Adventskalender - Advent calendar
die Weihnachtskarte - Christmas card
der Weihnachtsmarkt - Christmas market
die Weihnachtsfeier - Christmas celebration
Good to know: In Germany, Christmas is celebrated, and presents are exchanged on "Heiligabend" (Christmas Eve) on the 24th of December.
Christmas decoration
Decorating plays a crucial role in the Christmas celebrations, so let's take a look at the must-have items.
Der Weihnachtsbaum
Der Weihnachtsbaum, or "Christmas tree," is a central and beloved decoration during the holiday season in Germany and many other countries. Families traditionally decorate the tree with ornaments, lights, and sometimes real candles, and it serves as a focal point for gift-giving and festive gatherings during Christmas.
Der Weihnachtsschmuck
Der Weihnachtsschmuck, or "Christmas decorations," refers to festive items like ornaments and lights used to decorate homes and Christmas trees during the holiday season in Germany, creating a cheerful and colorful holiday atmosphere.
Die Weihnachtsbeleuchtung
This is the Christmas lighting or decorations used to illuminate homes and streets during the holiday season, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere. It includes items like fairy lights, candles, and lighted decorations.
Der Weihnachtsstern
"Der Weihnachtsstern" translates to "Christmas star" in German, and it's a traditional holiday decoration. It typically refers to a star-shaped ornament used as a tree topper or a festive symbol associated with the Christmas season.
Die Weihnachtskrippe
"Die Weihnachtskrippe" is the German term for a nativity scene, a common Christmas tradition. It features figurines representing the birth of Jesus, along with other characters from the biblical story, and is often displayed in homes and churches during the holiday season.
Vocabulary:
der Weihnachtsbaum - Christmas tree
der Weihnachtsschmuck - Christmas decorations
die Weihnachtsbeleuchtung - Christmas lights
der Weihnachtsstern - Christmas star
die Weihnachtskrippe - nativity scene
German Christmas holidays
Once the holidays arrive, following all the preparations, it's important to be familiar with these five German Christmas terms.
Der Heiligabend
"Der Heiligabend" is Christmas Eve in German (24th of December), a significant night when families come together to celebrate the holiday. It's a time for gift-giving, attending church services, and enjoying a special meal as part of the Christmas traditions.
Der 1 & 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag
In Germany, "Der 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag" is the first day of Christmas, celebrated on December 25th. "Der 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag" is the second day of Christmas, celebrated on December 26th, and both days are public holidays when families often continue their Christmas festivities.
Das Weihnachtslied
"Das Weihnachtslied" in Germany refers to Christmas songs or carols that are sung during the holiday season. These songs are an integral part of Christmas celebrations, and many have a rich tradition of spreading joy and telling the story of Christmas.
Der Weihnachtsmann / das Chriskind
"Der Weihnachtsmann" (mainly protestant areas) or "das Christkind" (mainly catholic areas) in Germany is the equivalent of Santa Claus, a beloved figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. He is often depicted as a bearded, jolly man dressed in a red suit and is a central character in German Christmas celebrations.
Die Bescherung
"Die Bescherung" in Germany is the time when families exchange and open their Christmas presents. It typically takes place on the evening of December 24th, known as Heiligabend, before or after attending a Christmas church service or having a festive meal.
Vocabulary:
der Heiligabend - Christmas Eve
der 1 & 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag - 25th & 26th of December
das Weihnachtslied - Christmas carol
der Weihnachtsmann / das Christkind - Santa Claus
die Bescherung - gift-giving
German Christmas food & drinks
What's a celebration without delightful dishes? Christmas is particularly famous for its unique and delicious meals, which we'll delve into next.
Der Lebkuchen
"Der Lebkuchen" is a type of gingerbread in Germany, commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season. It comes in various forms, such as cookies, cakes, or bars, and is often flavored with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Der Christstollen
Stollen is a delectable fruitcake, a sweet, rich bread filled with candied fruit, nuts, and spices, often dusted with powdered sugar. "Der Christstollen" is a special Christmas version of Stollen, which incorporates marzipan and extra festive ingredients, making it a treasured holiday treat in Germany.
Der Glühwein
"Glühwein" is a traditional German hot mulled wine enjoyed during the Christmas season. It's made by heating red wine with spices and citrus, creating a warm and aromatic holiday drink.
Die Weihnachtsgans
"Die Weihnachtsgans" is a traditional German Christmas dish, often served as a roasted goose, enjoyed as the centerpiece of the holiday meal. It is known for its crispy skin and is typically accompanied by side dishes like red cabbage, dumplings, and gravy.
Das Weihnachtsplätzchen
"Das Weihnachtsplätzchen" is a Christmas cookie in Germany, often baked in various shapes and flavors. They are typically prepared with festive ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and often decorated with icing, sprinkles, or candied fruits for a delightful holiday touch.
Vocabulary:
der Lebkuchen - gingerbread
der Christstollen
der Glühwein - mulled wine
die Weihnachtsgans - Christmas goose
das Weihnachtsplätzchen - Christmas cookie
Conclusion
Armed with this comprehensive German Christmas vocabulary, you're all set to experience the joy and traditions of a German Christmas. And with the proximity of New Year's Eve, broadening your German Christmas vocabulary to include a few festive New Year's terms would be wise.
Frohe Weihnachten und bis bald!
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