German word

Kirmes

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɪɐ̯məs/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfair

Example

Auf der Kirmes gibt es viele Essensstände.

There are many food stalls at the fair.

Illustration for Kirmes (fair)

More examples

Viele Familien nehmen Kinder mit zur Kirmes, um dort Karussells zu fahren.

Many families take their children to the fair to ride carousels there.

Core concept

A town square temporarily filled with rides, food stalls, games, and a festive crowd.

Common phrases

  • an der Kirmes Fahrgeschäfte ausprobieren

    try rides at the fair

  • auf der Kirmes etwas gewinnen

    win something at the fair

  • an der Kirmes Spiele spielen

    play games at the fair

Similar words

Jahrmarkt: A fair held for several days, combining market stalls, goods, and amusements.
Rummel: A colloquial term for a bustling small fair with rides and shooting games.

Definition in German

Kirmes bezeichnet ein kurzdauerndes Jahrmarktfest, bei dem Losbuden, Fahrgeschäfte und Essensstände aufgebaut werden.

Word origin

Kirmes developed from Middle High German kir(ch)messe, a compound of Kirche and Messe for a church festival and its associated market.

Usage tips

  • Kirmes is feminine, with the forms die Kirmes and the plural die Kirmessen.

Other meanings

  • funfairnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Kirmesstimmungfair atmospherenoun
  • Kirmeszeitfair seasonnoun

Word lists with this word