German word

Weihnachten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯naxtn̩/

Meaning

  • nounChristmas

Example

Die Kinder freuen sich auf Weihnachten.

The children can't wait for Christmas.

Illustration for Weihnachten (Christmas)

More examples

In vielen Städten ist das Zentrum zu Weihnachten festlich beleuchtet.

At Christmastime, the city center is festively illuminated in many cities.

Core concept

A winter holiday gathered around decorated homes, shared meals, gifts, and family time.

Common phrases

  • zu Weihnachten

    at Christmastime

  • an Weihnachten

    on Christmas Day

  • Frohe Weihnachten

    Merry Christmas

Similar words

Heiligabend: The traditional evening of December 24 for family meals and exchanging gifts.
Weihnachtszeit: The period around Christmas when homes and streets are decorated.
Weihnachtsfest: The full Christmas celebration, including church services and family feasts.
Weihnachtsmarkt: A winter market with stalls selling food, drinks, and gifts.

Definition in German

Weihnachten ist der Name des christlichen Festes um den 25. Dezember und der damit verbundenen Festzeit mit Geschenken und Familienfeiern.

Word origin

Weihnachten comes from Middle High German wîhen nahten, meaning 'holy nights', a plural expression for the Christian celebration.

Usage tips

  • Weihnachten is capitalized as a noun and commonly appears without an article, as in 'an Weihnachten' and 'zu Weihnachten'.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word