Kerstmis
/ˈkɛrs(t).mɪs/masculine
In Dutch, Christmas is called Kerstmis. Wiktionary also lists kerst.
Meaning: festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places (name)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kerstmis | /ˈkɛrs(t).mɪs/ /ˈkɛrs(t).məs/ |
masculine |
| kerst | /kɛrst/ | masculine |
The term refers to the festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places.
Which one should you use?
The shortened form kerst is much more common in everyday spoken Dutch than the full word Kerstmis. Kerstmis is the formal name of the holiday, whereas kerst is used more frequently in casual conversation and as a modifier.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word kerst can function as a prefix or modifier for other nouns, such as kerstboom (Christmas tree) or kerstcadeau (Christmas gift).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkɛrs(t).mɪs/. The first of the two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, the gift-giving usually associated with kerst in English is actually shifted to the feast of Sinterklaas on December 5th.
- The word Kerstmis contains the word mis, which refers to a church mass. This means the name literally translates to 'Christ mass'.
- A traditional way to celebrate kerst in the Netherlands is by eating kerststol, a sweet raisin bread typically served with butter.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van kerst.I love Christmas.This sentence shows how to express a feeling toward kerst.Tatoeba #9496969 by MarijnKp, translation #2380204 by CK
- Het is bijna kerst.Christmas is just around the corner.This sentence uses kerst to indicate that the holiday is approaching.Tatoeba #377352 by Dorenda, translation #62800 by CK
- Ik ben Kerstmis beu.I'm sick of Christmas.This sentence uses Kerstmis to express being tired of the holiday.Tatoeba #9499863 by Micsmithel, translation #8924208 by CK
- Heb je plannen voor het Kerstfeest?Do you have plans for Christmas?
- 1427 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are talking about their holiday plans.
- EmmaWat ga je doen met Kerstmis?What are you going to do for Christmas?
- DaanIk ga naar mijn ouders voor Kerstmis.I am going to my parents for Christmas.
- EmmaDat klinkt erg gezellig, Daan.That sounds very cozy, Daan.
- DaanJa, we vieren Kerstmis altijd samen.Yes, we always celebrate Christmas together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Kerstmis, kerst, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kerstmis, kerst, kerstmis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
