Weihnachtsbaum
/ˈvaɪ̯naxt͡sˌbaʊ̯m/masculine
The English phrase "Christmas tree" is translated into German as Weihnachtsbaum. Wiktionary also lists Christbaum.
Meaning: evergreen tree used as a decoration during the Christmas holiday season (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weihnachtsbaum | /ˈvaɪ̯naxt͡sˌbaʊ̯m/ | masculine |
| Christbaum | masculine |
The phrase refers to an evergreen tree used as a decoration during the Christmas holiday season.
What does it mean word for word?
Weihnachtsbaum is a compound word consisting of Weihnacht (Christmas) and Baum (tree).
Which one should you use?
While Weihnachtsbaum is the standard term, Christbaum (literally "Christ tree") is a common alternative used in many parts of Germany and Austria.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern parts of Germany, particularly Bavaria and Austria, the term Christbaum is used frequently.
How does it change in a sentence?
Weihnachtsbaum is a masculine noun. The plural form is Weihnachtsbäume. Because the noun is masculine, it changes to den Weihnachtsbaum when it is used as the direct object (accusative case) of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvaɪ̯naxtsˌbaʊ̯m/
Did you know?
- While many cultures use various evergreens, the German tradition of the Weihnachtsbaum was so influential that it helped spread the custom of the decorated tree across Europe and North America during the 19th century.
- In some traditional German households, the Weihnachtsbaum remains hidden from children until the evening of December 24, when it is revealed as a surprise.
- The word Baum in Weihnachtsbaum is an ancient Germanic root that shares a common ancestor with the English word 'beam', though 'beam' now refers only to a piece of timber.
Examples in context
- Hast du einen Weihnachtsbaum?Do you have a Christmas tree?This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns a Weihnachtsbaum.Tatoeba #7681420 by wolfgangth, translation #7653923 by CK
- Tom brachte mir einen Weihnachtsbaum.Tom brought me a Christmas tree.This sentence is useful for describing someone bringing a Weihnachtsbaum.Tatoeba #13664554 by Naina, translation #11365749 by Ergulis
- Am Weihnachtsbaum brennen die Lichter.The candles on the Christmas tree are burning.This sentence is useful for describing lights burning on a Weihnachtsbaum.Tatoeba #2899669 by freddy1, translation #5701762 by zumley
- Lass uns den Weihnachtsbaum schmücken!Let's decorate the Christmas tree!
- Der Tannenbaum sieht wunderschön aus!The Christmas tree looks beautiful!
- Schau mal, wie niedlich das Weihnachtsbäumchen ist!Look how cute the little Christmas tree is!
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are preparing their apartment for the holidays.
- JuliaFelix, wo ist unser Weihnachtsbaum?Felix, where is our Christmas tree?
- FelixEr steht noch im Auto.It is still in the car.
- JuliaDann bring ihn bitte schnell rein.Then please bring it inside quickly.
- FelixJa, ich mache das sofort.Yes, I will do that immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas tree” translations and entries Weihnachtsbaum, Christbaum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
