German Conversation · Level 134
29 words
German word
zelebrieren
Pronunciation
IPA/t͡seləˈbʁiːʁən/
Meaning
- verbcelebrate
Example
Wir zelebrieren seinen Geburtstag.
We celebrate his birthday.
More examples
Nach dem Spiel zelebrieren die Fans den Sieg.
After the game, the fans celebrate the victory.
Core concept
An occasion is treated like a ceremony, with deliberate gestures and public attention rather than casual participation.
Common phrases
den Sieg zelebrieren
celebrate the victory
seinen Erfolg zelebrieren
celebrate his success
die Hochzeit zelebrieren
celebrate the wedding
Similar words
feiern: To celebrate joyfully in the company of family or friends.
begehen: To mark an anniversary or occasion through a formal observance.
anstoßen: To celebrate by clinking glasses and making a toast.
jubeln: To express joy through loud cheering and cries of delight.
Definition in German
etwas mit betonter Feierlichkeit und formellen Gesten begehen; gehoben gebraucht und sowohl religiös als auch säkular angewandt
Word origin
Zelebrieren derives from Latin celebrare and retains the older connection between public celebration and the formal performance of an observance.
Usage tips
- Zelebrieren can be used ironically when an ordinary activity is presented as excessively important or ceremonious.