German word

Silvester

Pronunciation

IPA/zɪlˈvɛstɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnew year's eve

Example

Zu Silvester essen wir immer Raclette.

We always eat raclette on New Year's Eve.

Illustration for Silvester (new year's eve)

More examples

Am Silvesterabend zünden viele Leute Böller.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, many people set off firecrackers.

Core concept

A crowded December 31 evening moving from shared food and family gatherings to fireworks and the midnight countdown.

Common phrases

  • am Silvesterabend

    on the evening of New Year's Eve

  • Silvester feiern

    celebrate New Year's Eve

  • Silvester verbringen

    spend New Year's Eve

Similar words

Neujahr: The first day of the new year, January 1.
Silvesternacht: The overnight period spanning New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Silvesterfeier: A celebration or social gathering held on New Year's Eve.
Neujahrsfeier: A celebration held on New Year's Day or soon after to mark the new year.

Definition in German

Silvester ist die Bezeichnung für den Abend und den Tag des 31. Dezember, an dem oft Feste, Feuerwerk und Familientreffen stattfinden.

Word origin

German Silvester comes from the Latin name Silvester, borne by Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day is December 31.

Usage tips

  • Before midnight, the customary good wish is "Guten Rutsch!"; after midnight, "Frohes neues Jahr!" is appropriate.

Other meanings

  • New Year'snoun

Opposites

  • NeujahrstagNew Year's Daynoun

Related words

  • SilvesterabendNew Year's Eve eveningnoun
  • SilvesternachtNew Year's Eve nightnoun

Word lists with this word