Ostern
/ˈoːstɐn/neuter, plural
In German, the English phrase "Easter" is translated as Ostern. If unsure, use Ostern. Wiktionary also lists Osterfest.
Meaning: Christian feast commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ostern | /ˈoːstɐn/ | neuter, plural |
| Osterfest | [ˈoːstɐˌfɛst] (narrow) | neuter |
The term refers to the Christian feast commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because it is a noun, the name of the holiday is capitalized in German.
Which one should you use?
Ostern is the common name used for the holiday, whereas Osterfest is a more formal way to refer to the religious celebration or festival.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Germany, people use the term Oschtern instead of Ostern.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ostern is a neuter noun. When referring to the holiday in a general sense, it is used without an article. The form Ostern is a neuter plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːstɐn/
Did you know?
- The word Ostern is derived from the Proto-Germanic goddess Austrā, who was associated with the dawn and the east.
- In some German regions, the celebration is linked to Osterwasser, a custom of splashing water on others to symbolize purity and renewal.
- In some German regions, people celebrate Osterfeuer, where massive bonfires are lit to drive away the winter and welcome the spring.
Examples in context
- Ostern steht vor der Tür.Easter is just around the corner.This sentence uses Ostern to express that the holiday is approaching.Tatoeba #4693318 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4660321 by Hybrid
- Nach Karfreitag kommt Ostern.After Good Friday comes Easter.This sentence uses Ostern to describe the sequence of religious events following Good Friday.Tatoeba #1944229 by Esperantostern, translation #5164020 by Dejo
- Ostern steht bald vor der Tür.Easter will soon come around.This sentence uses Ostern to indicate that the holiday will occur soon.Tatoeba #12710153 by mayabe, translation #20891 by fishda
- Wir verstecken Ostereier im GartenWe hide Easter eggs in the garden
- Ich wünsche dir ein frohes OsterfestI wish you a happy Easter holiday
- Ich habe Ostern mit meiner Familie verbracht.I spent Easter with my family.
- Lass uns gemeinsam Ostereier bemalen.Let's paint Easter eggs together.
- Wir haben viele bunte Ostereier im Korb.We have many colorful Easter eggs in the basket.
- Frohe Ostern! Genieße die Feiertage!Happy Easter! Enjoy the holidays!
- Ich wünsche euch allen frohe Ostern!I wish you all a happy Easter!
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their holiday plans in a cafe.
- LauraWas machst du an Ostern?What are you doing at Easter?
- MaximilianIch besuche meine Familie.I am visiting my family.
- LauraDas klingt schön.That sounds nice.
- MaximilianJa, ich freue mich auf Ostern.Yes, I am looking forward to Easter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Easter” translations and entries Ostern, Osterfest, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Osterfest, Ostern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
