German word

Karneval

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkaʁnəˌvaːl/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncarnival

Example

Wir feiern den Karneval jedes Jahr.

We celebrate carnival every year.

Illustration for Karneval (carnival)

More examples

Während der Karnevalszeit sind die Straßen voller Musik und Kostüme.

During carnival season, the streets are full of music and costumes.

Core concept

Costumed crowds, floats, and festive halls fill the days before Lent.

Common phrases

  • in der Karnevalszeit

    during carnival season

  • die Karnevalsbräuche pflegen

    observe carnival customs

  • ein buntes Karnevalsprogramm

    a colorful carnival program

Similar words

Fasching: A southern German and Austrian season of costumes, masks, and festive balls.
Rosenmontag: A major carnival Monday marked by a large parade.
Umzug: A festival procession of floats and costumed people through the streets.

Definition in German

Karneval nennt die Feierzeit vor der Fastenzeit, in der Umzüge, Sitzungen und Verkleidungen stattfinden, besonders im Rheinland.

Word origin

German Karneval comes through Italian carnevale from Latin carnem levare, meaning "to remove meat," in reference to the approaching Lenten fast.

Usage tips

  • Karneval is masculine, so the standard forms are der Karneval and den Karneval after a verb such as feiern.

Opposites

  • Stillesilencenoun
  • Ernstseriousnessnoun

Related words

  • Karnevalszeitcarnival seasonnoun
  • Karnevalsveranstaltungcarnival eventnoun
  • Karnevalsbrauchcarnival customnoun

Word lists with this word