schönen Urlaub
/ˈʃøːnən ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/word by word
The English phrase "have a great holiday" is translated into German as schönen Urlaub.
This phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant time while they are on vacation. You might use the complete sentence Schönen Urlaub wünsche ich dir! to be more grammatically explicit, or the more casual elliptical version Schönen Urlaub! where the verb and subject are omitted.
Which one should you use?
The word Urlaub typically refers to a specific trip or time off from work. In contrast, Ferien is more commonly used to refer to school or university breaks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase schönen Urlaub is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the implied verb wünschen (to wish).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnən ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/
When do people say it?
When someone wishes you a great holiday, a common and natural response is Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, same to you!), if the other person is also going on holiday.
Did you know?
- The word Urlaub is etymologically linked to the German verb erlauben, meaning 'to allow'. In a historical sense, one's holiday was something that had to be explicitly 'permitted' by a superior.
- In German workplace culture, the term Erholungsurlaub describes vacation as a period of 'recovery' and physical restoration rather than just a break for leisure.
- German employees are among the most protected in the world, with national laws providing minimum paid Urlaub entitlements that often far exceed those in the US or UK.
Examples in context
- Schöne Ferien, Anna! Genieß die Zeit in den Bergen!Have a great holiday, Anna! Enjoy your time in the mountains!
- Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Urlaub!I wish you a great holiday!
- Wir wünschen euch einen schönen Urlaub.We wish you all a great holiday.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are colleagues saying goodbye at the office.
- MaximilianIch fahre morgen endlich weg.I'm finally leaving tomorrow.
- SarahDas ist toll, schönen Urlaub!That's great, have a great holiday!
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Sarah!Thank you very much, Sarah!
- SarahGern geschehen, Maximilian.You're welcome, Maximilian.
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.
