German word

Zeremonie

Pronunciation

IPA/t͡seʁəmoˈniː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounceremony

Example

Bei Hochzeiten gibt es oft Zeremonien.

There are often ceremonies at weddings.

Illustration for Zeremonie (ceremony)

More examples

Bei Staatsbesuchen folgen oft aufwändige Zeremonien.

During state visits, elaborate ceremonies often take place.

Core concept

People move through a solemn, prescribed sequence of actions before a community or audience.

Common phrases

  • feierliche Zeremonie der Amtseinführung

    formal inauguration ceremony

  • Zeremonie der Verleihung

    award ceremony

Similar words

Ritual: A customary series of religious actions or symbolic movements performed in a set order.
Feier: A celebratory gathering with a warm, familiar atmosphere and flexible activities.
Veranstaltung: A planned public event designed to bring people together for a particular purpose.
Fest: A festive community gathering celebrating a season or local tradition over many hours.

Definition in German

Feierliche Handlung oder festgelegter Ablauf bei öffentlichen, religiösen oder offiziellen Anlässen

Word origin

German Zeremonie comes through French cérémonie from Latin caerimonia, a word for sacred observance that broadened into a formal rite or ceremony.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English ceremony, German Zeremonie is feminine: die Zeremonie, with the plural die Zeremonien.

Other meanings

  • ritenoun
  • ritualnoun

Opposites

  • Informalitätinformalitynoun
  • Alltageveryday lifenoun

Related words

  • Zeremonienmeistermaster of ceremoniesnoun
  • zeremoniellceremonialadjective
  • zeremonialisierenritualizeverb

Word lists with this word