Halloween, originally a Celtic festival that gained popularity in the U.S., is becoming increasingly celebrated in German-speaking countries. While it’s not a traditional holiday in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, Halloween has found its place, especially among teens and young adults. In this post, we’ll explore how Halloween is celebrated in these countries and introduce some essential German Halloween vocabulary.
Halloween Traditions in German-Speaking Countries
1. Halloween Parties: Halloween parties have become a staple on October 31st in German cities. Bars, clubs, and private homes host parties where people dress up in spooky costumes. Decorations such as pumpkins, cobwebs, and eerie lighting set the scene for these festivities.
2. Pumpkin Carving (“Jack-O’-Lanterns”): Pumpkin carving has also become popular, especially among families with children. Pumpkins are hollowed out and given scary faces before being placed at the entrance of homes. This activity is known as “Kürbisschnitzen” or simply “Halloween-Kürbisse.”
3. Haunted Tours and Attractions: Some cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland offer special haunted tours, where visitors can hear historical and spooky stories. Theme parks also join the Halloween spirit, with decorations and haunted houses designed especially for the season.
Essential Halloween Vocabulary in German
Here are some common Halloween terms in German and their English equivalents:
Halloween – Halloween
Süßes oder Saures – Trick or Treat
Kürbisschnitzen – Pumpkin carving
Geist(er) – Ghost(s)
Hexe – Witch
Vampir – Vampire
Zombie – Zombie
Kostüm – Costume
Gespenst – Ghost/Specter
Spukhaus – Haunted House
Gruselgeschichte – Scary Story
Fledermaus – Bat
Spinne – Spider
Grabstein – Tombstone
Skelett – Skeleton
Vollmond – Full Moon
Schwarzkatze – Black Cat
Fratze – Grimace (for carved pumpkin faces)
The Tradition of “Süßes oder Saures” (Trick or Treat)
The most famous Halloween tradition is “Trick or Treat,” which is translated into German as “Süßes oder Saures.” Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door, asking for treats by saying this phrase, which signals to the residents that they can either offer sweets or face a (usually playful) prank. Although “Süßes oder Saures” isn’t as widespread in German-speaking countries as it is in the U.S., it’s becoming more popular each year, especially in urban neighbourhoods.
Popular Halloween Costumes
Costume choices in German-speaking countries are similar to those in the U.S., with some popular options including:
Hexen – Witches
Vampire – Vampires
Zombies – Zombies
Gespenster – Ghosts
Skelette – Skeletons
Gruselige Clowns – Creepy Clowns
Children and teenagers, in particular, enjoy dressing up and either attending Halloween parties or going trick-or-treating.
Halloween Celebrations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Each of these three countries has unique Halloween celebrations:
Germany: Halloween parties are especially popular in large cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Many theme parks, such as Europa-Park, also host Halloween events that attract large crowds.
Austria: In Austria, Halloween parties are a big hit, particularly in Vienna, where clubs and bars throw Halloween-themed events. Ghost tours and spooky stories bring participants into the Halloween spirit.
Switzerland: Halloween events and parties are common in Zurich and Basel. In some regions, traditional lantern parades are blended with Halloween elements, making for a unique celebration.
Halloween and All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)
Interestingly, Halloween falls the day before All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen), a Catholic holiday celebrated on November 1. In Catholic regions, particularly in southern Germany and Austria, All Saints’ Day is observed in a quiet and respectful way. This sometimes creates tension, as the celebratory nature of Halloween doesn’t align with the reflective mood of the next day. Nevertheless, Halloween is becoming more accepted and is now a fun seasonal event in the fall.
Conclusion
Halloween may not be a traditional holiday in German-speaking countries, but it’s growing in popularity as a fun, spooky celebration. With the right vocabulary—like Süßes oder Saures and Spukhaus—you’ll be ready to experience Halloween the German way.
Whether you plan to dress up, carve pumpkins, or just enjoy the spooky atmosphere, Halloween in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland offers plenty of opportunities for fun and frights!
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