German Conversation · Level 19
90 words
German word
Ferien
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfeːʁi̯ən/
Meaning
- nounvacation
Example
Dieses Jahr verbringe ich meine Ferien am Meer.
This year I'm spending my vacation by the sea.
More examples
In den Ferien lese ich gerne Romane.
During the holidays, I like reading novels.
Core concept
A marked block of days outside the normal timetable, associated especially with school breaks and often used for trips or rest.
Common phrases
in den Ferien
during the holidays
Ferien buchen
book a vacation
kurze Ferien
short vacation
Similar words
Urlaub: A set period away from work, usually taken for rest or travel.
Reise: A trip involving travel from one place to another, often for sightseeing.
Feiertag: A day of rest set by law or custom to mark a public or religious occasion.
Ferienwohnung: A furnished apartment or room rented for a short stay while traveling.
Definition in German
Eine zusammenhängende Zeit freier Tage, die zur Erholung oder für Reisen genutzt wird und oft als Schul- oder Semesterpause im Jahresplan festgelegt ist.
Word origin
Ferien comes from Latin feriae, meaning festival or rest days, through medieval Latin and older German forms.
Usage tips
- Ferien is grammatically plural, so standard phrases include die Ferien sind lang and in den Ferien, not a singular form.