German Conversation · Level 7
88 words
German word
Ostern
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈoːstɐn/
Meaning
- neuter nounEaster
Example
Zu Ostern gehen viele Menschen in die Kirche.
At Easter, many people go to church.
More examples
Zu Ostern gibt es in vielen Orten traditionelle Märkte.
At Easter, there are traditional markets in many places.
Core concept
A spring holiday scene where children search for eggs while families gather around a festive table, whether or not the occasion is religious.
Common phrases
Ostern feiern
celebrate Easter
Osterbräuche zu Ostern
Easter customs at Easter
Eier zu Ostern verstecken
hide eggs at Easter
Similar words
Feiertag: A legally recognized day off when work and school are often closed.
Ostersonntag: The main Easter day, often marked by church services and family gatherings.
Definition in German
Ostern bezeichnet in vielen Familien ein fröhliches Frühlingsfest mit Ostereiern, Osterspielen und gemeinsamen Mahlzeiten, auch wenn es christliche Wurzeln hat.
Word origin
The German name developed from Old High German ōstarūn, a form related to English Easter and linked to an old Germanic word for east or dawn.
Usage tips
- The greeting "Frohe Ostern" is standard, while "zu Ostern" means "at Easter"; both use Ostern without a singular article such as "das".