German word

Brauchtum

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbraʊ̯xtuːm/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncustom

Example

In diesem Dorf pflegt man das Brauchtum noch heute.

In this village, people still uphold this custom today.

Illustration for Brauchtum (custom)

More examples

Viele Touristen interessieren sich für das lokale Brauchtum.

Many tourists are interested in the local custom.

Core concept

A village calendar and way of life carried forward through repeated communal observances.

Common phrases

  • lokales Brauchtum

    local custom

  • mundartliches Brauchtum

    dialectal custom

Similar words

Brauch: A customary act or ritual practiced in a particular place or situation.
Sitte: A long-established pattern of conduct followed by a community.
Gewohnheit: A personal habit or tendency repeated regularly in daily life.
Tradition: A cultural practice or custom handed down from one generation to the next.

Definition in German

Brauchtum bezeichnet die überlieferten Bräuche und festlichen Gewohnheiten einer Gemeinschaft.

Word origin

The compound Brauchtum combines Brauch with -tum, a suffix that turns a concrete practice into an abstract or collective concept.

Usage tips

  • Brauchtum usually refers to a collective tradition as an uncountable noun, while an individual custom is ein Brauch with the plural Bräuche.

Other meanings

  • traditionnoun
  • folklorenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Brauchtumsüberlieferungtransmission of customsnoun

Word lists with this word