German word

Weihnachtsmann

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯naxtsˌman/

Meaning

  • masculine nounSanta

Example

Jedes Kind wartet auf den Weihnachtsmann.

Every child is waiting for Santa.

Illustration for Weihnachtsmann (Santa)

More examples

Auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt trifft man oft den Weihnachtsmann.

At the Christmas market, you often meet Santa.

Core concept

A cheerful Christmas gift-bringer in a red suit, imagined arriving quietly while children wait for presents.

Common phrases

  • den Weihnachtsmann sehen

    see Santa

  • Geschenke vom Weihnachtsmann bekommen

    get presents from Santa

  • sich als Weihnachtsmann verkleiden

    dress up as Santa

Similar words

Christkind: A Christmas gift-bringer depicted as a child or angel in some regions.
Nikolaus: A Saint Nicholas figure who traditionally gives children sweets and small gifts on December 6.
Santa Claus: An English-origin term for Santa Claus found in German usage.

Definition in German

Der Weihnachtsmann ist eine fiktive Gestalt, die an Weihnachten Kindern Geschenke bringt.

Word origin

Weihnachtsmann is a compound of Weihnachten, 'Christmas,' and Mann, 'man,' forming a straightforward German name for the Christmas man.

Usage tips

  • Weihnachtsmann is a masculine noun, so its definite article is der and its plural is Weihnachtsmänner.

Opposites

  • ChristkindChrist Childnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word