Schönen Urlaub
/ˈʃøːnən ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/word by word
The English phrase "enjoy your vacation" is translated into German as Schönen Urlaub.
This phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant time while they are on holiday.
Which one should you use?
While Schönen Urlaub is used for a specific trip or time off, Schöne Ferien is more commonly used for school holidays or longer seasonal breaks.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schönen Urlaub is an elliptical form of Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Urlaub. The adjective schönen takes the accusative masculine ending because Urlaub is the direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnən ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/
When do people say it?
If you are not going on holiday yourself, the standard response is a simple Danke! If the other person is also going on holiday, a common informal response is Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, same to you!).
Did you know?
- The word Urlaub comes from the Old High German word for 'permission', implying that a vacation is actually 'permission to leave'.
- In German, the word Urlaub is also the standard term for 'military leave'. This keeps the word's historical connection to the idea of being granted official permission to depart.
- The word Urlaub is almost always used in the singular, whereas Ferien is always plural. You cannot say eine Ferie even if you are referring to a single break.
Examples in context
- Hast du einen schönen Urlaub in Australien verlebt?Did you enjoy your vacation in Australia?This sentence shows how to use the phrase in a question about a past trip.Tatoeba #7824617 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7821035 by CK
- Einen schönen Urlaub!I hope you enjoy your vacation.This sentence is a way to wish someone a good vacation.Tatoeba #2142754 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1989731 by CK
- Genießen Sie Ihren Urlaub in Deutschland!Enjoy your vacation in Germany!
- Genieß deinen Urlaub am Strand!Enjoy your vacation at the beach!
- Dankeschön! Ich werde die Sonne und den Sand in vollen Zügen genießen.Thank you! I will enjoy the sun and sand to the fullest.
- Schönen Urlaub wünsche ich euch!I wish you all a nice vacation!
Example conversation
At the office, before Laura leaves for her trip.
- JulianMorgen geht es endlich los, oder?It finally starts tomorrow, right?
- LauraJa, ich freue mich sehr!Yes, I am very excited!
- JulianSchönen Urlaub, Laura!Enjoy your vacation, Laura!
- LauraVielen Dank, Julian!Thank you very much, Julian!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (schönen, Urlaub) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Urlaub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
