German word

Heiligabend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌhaɪ̯lɪçˈaːbn̩t/

Meaning

  • masculine nounChristmas Eve

Example

Wir feiern am Heiligabend mit der Familie.

We celebrate Christmas Eve with our family.

Illustration for Heiligabend (Christmas Eve)

More examples

Am Heiligabend ist die Stadt oft festlich geschmückt.

On Christmas Eve, the city is often festively decorated.

Core concept

A family gathers for a shared meal and presents on the evening before Christmas Day.

Common phrases

  • am Heiligabend

    on Christmas Eve

  • Heiligabend feiern

    celebrate Christmas Eve

Similar words

Weihnachten: The Christian celebration held on December 25.
Zweiter Weihnachtstag: The holiday on December 26, the second day of Christmas.
Vorabend: The night before a significant day or event.
Silvester: New Year's Eve, when the coming year is welcomed.

Definition in German

Heiligabend bezeichnet den Abend vor dem ersten Weihnachtstag, an dem oft Familienessen und die Bescherung stattfinden.

Word origin

Heiligabend is a compound of heilig, meaning holy, and Abend, meaning evening, and its literal structure reflects the Christian holy evening.

Usage tips

  • Heiligabend is masculine, so standard forms include der Heiligabend and am Heiligabend.

Word lists with this word