Weihnachten
/ˈvaɪ̯ˌnaxtən/neuter, plural, singular
Christmas in German is Weihnachten.
Weihnachten is the name for the festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. While Weihnachten refers specifically to the holiday itself, the word Weihnachtszeit is used to refer to the broader Christmas season or the period leading up to it.
Meaning: festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express that something happens 'at Christmas', you use the preposition an followed by the dative case of Weihnachten, resulting in an Weihnachten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvaɪ̯ˌnaxtən/
When do people say it?
To wish someone a Merry Christmas, the standard expression is Frohe Weihnachten!
Did you know?
- In Germany, the main celebration and gift exchange happen on the evening of December 24, which is called Heiligabend.
- A traditional companion to the holiday in Germany is Knecht Ruprecht, a figure who punishes naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones.
- The word Weihnachten literally translates to 'the holy nights' in English.
Examples in context
- Es ist bald Weihnachten.It's almost Christmas.This sentence is useful for saying it is almost Christmas.Tatoeba #10031627 by Melang, translation #5679050 by CK
- Ist es schon Weihnachten?Is it Christmas again already?This sentence is useful for asking if it is Christmas again already.Tatoeba #7121523 by Luiaard, translation #7015455 by timoteojohano
- Es ist nicht Weihnachten.It's not Christmas.This sentence is useful for stating it is not Christmas.Tatoeba #12354303 by mayabe, translation #2249114 by CK
- Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt, ich möchte Ihnen sowie Ihrer Familie ein frohes Weihnachtsfest wünschen.Dear Mr. Schmidt, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
- Liebe Julia, ich wünsche dir und deinen Lieben ein schönes Weihnachtsfest.Dear Julia, I wish you and your loved ones a beautiful Christmas.
- 374 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are discussing their holiday plans.
- JulianWas schenkst du deiner Mutter zu Weihnachten?What are you giving your mother for Christmas?
- JuliaIch kaufe ihr ein schönes Buch.I am buying her a beautiful book.
- JulianDas ist eine gute Idee für Weihnachten.That is a good idea for Christmas.
- JuliaDanke, Julian!Thank you, Julian!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Weihnachten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Weihnachten, weihnachten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
