When it comes to Christmas, the German language offers a variety of ways to express holiday greetings, depending on the formality and the context of the conversation. Understanding these nuances can help you connect more deeply with German-speaking friends, family, or colleagues during the festive season. In this extended guide, we'll delve into the different ways to say Merry Christmas in German, explore the customs and traditions of Christmas in German-speaking countries, and provide practical dialogues that you can use during the holiday season.
1. Saying Merry Christmas in German
Formally:
Frohe Weihnachten und ein gesegnetes neues Jahr! (Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!)
This phrase is typically used in formal settings or when addressing someone with whom you have a respectful or professional relationship.
Neutrally:
Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!) and
This is the most common and widely used phrase in all kinds of situations, whether formal or informal.
Informally:
Schöne Weihnachten! (Lovely Christmas!)
This phrase is more casual and can be used among close friends, family, or peers.
If you want to keep it even more informal, use
Frohes Fest! (Happy celebration!)
The latter is the abbreviation from "frohes Weihnachtsfest!" (happy Christmas celebration!) and is used quite a lot among younger people and work colleagues.
If you're not sure if the person is actually celebrating Christmas, you can wish them the following to keep things neutral.
"Schöne Feiertage!" (Happy holidays!)
The latter is also common among work colleagues because most people are off work between the 24th and the 26th of December or even right until the New Year. Since most people spend Christmas with their family and maybe some close friends and don't see their colleagues until early January, they wish them
"Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr" or "Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute für das neue Jahr" (Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!)
The former is more informal, particularly because of the second part of the phrase "einen guten Rutsch", which literally translates as "a good slide into the New Year" and is used to wish a smooth start into the New Year rather than you breaking your legs. So in that sense it's akin to the English saying "break a leg", except that it's applied to New Year's wishes in German.
If you're absolutely certain that the person celebrates Christmas in a traditional way, say
"Ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest" (a blessed Christmas)
2. Practical German Dialogues for Christmas
To help you feel more confident in German conversations around Christmas, here are some practical dialogues that incorporate these greetings and other common phrases.
Dialogue 1: Greeting a Neighbour
You: Frohe Weihnachten, Herr Müller! Ich hoffe, Sie haben schöne Feiertage.**(Merry Christmas, Mr. Müller! I hope you have lovely holidays.)
Neighbour: Vielen Dank! Ihnen auch frohe Weihnachten und ein gesegnetes neues Jahr.**(Thank you very much! Merry Christmas to you too, and a blessed New Year.)
You: Danke! Wir sehen uns sicher noch zwischen den Feiertagen.**(Thanks! I’m sure we’ll see each other again between the holidays.)
Neighbour: Bestimmt. Alles Gute!**(Certainly. All the best!)
Dialogue 2: Exchanging Gifts with Friends
Friend A: Schöne Weihnachten! Hier ist ein kleines Geschenk für dich.**(Merry Christmas! Here’s a little gift for you.)
Friend B: Oh, vielen Dank! Das ist so nett von dir. Ich habe auch etwas für dich.**(Oh, thank you so much! That’s so kind of you. I’ve got something for you too.)
Friend A: Ich hoffe, es gefällt dir. Frohe Weihnachten!**(I hope you like it. Merry Christmas!)
Friend B: Ich bin sicher, es wird mir gefallen. Frohe Weihnachten!**(I’m sure I’ll love it. Merry Christmas!)
Dialogue 3: Wishing Colleagues at Work
You: Frohe Weihnachten, Frau Schmidt! Ich wünsche Ihnen erholsame Feiertage.**(Merry Christmas, Ms. Schmidt! I wish you a restful holiday season.)
Colleague: Danke, Ihnen auch frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr.**(Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too, and a Happy New Year.)
You: Vielen Dank! Machen Sie es gut.**(Thank you very much! Take care.)
Colleague: Bis nächstes Jahr!**(See you next year!)
3. Christmas Celebrations in German-Speaking Countries
Christmas is one of the most significant holidays in Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It’s a time filled with rich traditions, festive markets, and cherished family gatherings. Here’s an overview of how Christmas is celebrated in German-speaking countries.
Advent Season: A Month of Preparation
The Christmas season officially begins with Advent, which starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Many families set up an Adventskranz (Advent wreath) with four candles, lighting one each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Advent calendars, known as Adventskalender, are also popular, offering daily treats or small gifts behind each door from December 1st to 24th.
Dialogue: Discussing Advent Plans
You: Hast du schon einen Adventskalender?**(Do you already have an Advent calendar?)
Friend: Ja, ich habe einen Schokoladenkalender. Und du?**(Yes, I have a chocolate calendar. How about you?)
You: Ich habe einen mit kleinen Überraschungen. Jeden Tag gibt es etwas anderes.**(I have one with small surprises. Every day there’s something different.)
Friend: Das klingt toll! Es ist eine schöne Tradition.**(That sounds great! It’s a lovely tradition.)
Christmas Markets: The Heart of the Festivities
German Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte, are famous worldwide. These markets, often held in town squares, are a festive blend of twinkling lights, traditional crafts, and delicious food. Popular items include Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst (grilled sausage).
Dialogue: Visiting a Christmas Market
You: Lust, heute Abend zum Weihnachtsmarkt zu gehen?**(Do you feel like going to the Christmas market tonight?)
Friend: Ja, das klingt wunderbar! Ich freue mich schon auf den Glühwein.**(Yes, that sounds wonderful! I’m already looking forward to the mulled wine.)
You: Und vielleicht finden wir noch ein paar schöne Geschenke.**(And maybe we’ll find some nice gifts too.)
Friend: Bestimmt. Der Markt hat immer so viele schöne Dinge.**(Definitely. The market always has so many lovely things.)
You: Vergiss nicht, deinen Schal mitzunehmen. Es wird kalt.**(Don’t forget to bring your scarf. It’s going to be cold.)
Friend: Gute Idee. Bis später!**(Good idea. See you later!)
St. Nicholas Day: A Special Day for Children
On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag) is celebrated, particularly for children. The night before, children leave their shoes or boots out, hoping that St. Nikolaus will fill them with treats like nuts, fruit, chocolate, and small toys if they’ve been good. For those who haven’t behaved, Knecht Ruprecht, a companion of St. Nicholas, might leave twigs instead.
Dialogue: Talking About St. Nicholas Day
You: Hast du deine Stiefel für den Nikolaustag geputzt?**(Did you clean your boots for St. Nicholas Day?)
Child: Ja, ich hoffe, dass der Nikolaus viele Süßigkeiten bringt.**(Yes, I hope St. Nicholas brings lots of sweets.)
You: Wenn du brav warst, wird er das sicher tun. Hast du ihm auch einen Brief geschrieben?**(If you’ve been good, he surely will. Did you write him a letter too?)
Child: Ja, ich habe ihm gesagt, dass ich mir ein Spielzeugauto wünsche.**(Yes, I told him I wish for a toy car.)
You: Das klingt nach einem guten Wunsch. Ich drücke dir die Daumen!**(That sounds like a good wish. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!)
Christmas Eve (Heiligabend): The Main Event
In German-speaking countries, Christmas Eve, or Heiligabend, is the most important day of the Christmas celebration. It’s the time when families gather for the main meal and exchange gifts. The evening typically begins with a church service, followed by a festive dinner. Traditional dishes might include Gans (goose), Karpfen (carp), or Wiener Würstchen mit Kartoffelsalat (sausages with potato salad).
Dialogue: Planning Christmas Eve
You: Was macht ihr an Heiligabend?**(What are you doing on Christmas Eve?)
Friend: Wir gehen in die Kirche und danach gibt es bei uns zu Hause ein großes Essen.**(We’re going to church, and then we’ll have a big meal at home.)
You: Was steht auf dem Speiseplan?**(What’s on the menu?)
Friend: Wir machen eine Gans mit Rotkohl und Klößen. Und du?**(We’re making goose with red cabbage and dumplings. And you?)
You: Bei uns gibt es traditionell Würstchen mit Kartoffelsalat. Danach gibt es Bescherung.**(We traditionally have sausages with potato salad. Then we exchange gifts.)
Friend: Das klingt gemütlich. Genießt den Abend!**(That sounds cozy. Enjoy the evening!)
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Weihnachtstag und Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag)
Christmas Day, known as Weihnachtstag, and Boxing Day, Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag, are quieter days reserved for rest, reflection, and sometimes visiting extended family. These days often involve another large meal and perhaps a walk through the winter landscape.
Dialogue: Relaxing on Christmas Day
You: Wie verbringst du den ersten Weihnachtsfeiertag?**(How are you spending Christmas Day?)
Friend: Wir bleiben zu Hause, essen Reste von gestern und schauen Weihnachtsfilme.**(We’re staying home, eating leftovers from yesterday, and watching Christmas movies.)
You: Das klingt perfekt. Wir machen wahrscheinlich einen Spaziergang im Park.**(That sounds perfect. We’ll probably take a walk in the park.)
Friend: Das ist auch schön. Genießt den Tag!**(That’s nice too. Enjoy the day!)
4. Additional Useful Christmas Vocabulary
Here’s a list of additional vocabulary that might come in handy during the Christmas season:
Der Weihnachtsbaum – The Christmas tree
Die Weihnachtskarte – The Christmas card
Der Weihnachtsmann – Santa Claus
Die Krippe – The nativity scene
Das Geschenk – The gift
Das Weihnachtslied – The Christmas carol
Die Lichterkette – The string of lights
Die Schneeflocke – The snowflake
Der Adventskalender – The advent calendar
Der Glühwein – The mulled wine
Die Zuckerstange – The candy cane
Die Plätzchen – The Christmas cookies
Der Lebkuchen – The gingerbread
Die Weihnachtsgans – The Christmas goose
Der Festtag – The feast day
Conclusion
Christmas in German-speaking countries is a season rich with tradition, joy, and community. Whether you’re navigating the Weihnachtsmarkt with a cup of Glühwein or enjoying a cozy meal on Heiligabend, understanding how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in the right context will deepen your holiday experience. Use the dialogues and vocabulary in this guide to enhance your interactions and to better understand the cultural significance of Christmas in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
With all that in mind, I wish everyone reading this "Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!" (Frohe Weihnachten und ein fröhliches neues Jahr!")
To learn more about other phrases in German, such as "I am cold", and interesting facts about the German language, or if you have questions about German grammar, you might want to look at our German language blog "Auf Deutsch, bitte!". You'll find explanations of the four German cases, German word order, German pronouns and many more.
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