Flitterwochen
/ˈflɪtərˌvɔxən/feminine, plural
The German word for honeymoon can be expressed as Flitterwochen or Hochzeitsreise.
Meaning: trip taken by a newly married couple (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flitterwochen | /ˈflɪtərˌvɔxən/ | feminine, plural |
| Hochzeitsreise | /ˈhɔxt͡saɪ̯t͡sˌʁaɪ̯zə/ | feminine |
Both words refer to a trip taken by a newly married couple. You may also use the verb flittern to describe the act of traveling on a honeymoon.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Hochzeitsreise is a compound consisting of Hochzeit (wedding) and Reise (trip), literally meaning 'wedding trip'.
Which one should you use?
Flitterwochen is the more common and idiomatic way to say honeymoon. In contrast, Hochzeitsreise is more descriptive and formal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Flitterwochen is a plural feminine noun and is almost always used in its plural form. Hochzeitsreise is a singular feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈflɪtərˌvɔxən/
Did you know?
- The word Flitterwochen comes from the old verb flittern, which meant 'to flatter' or 'to fawn'. It describes the early stage of marriage when partners are on their best behavior to please one another.
- The term Hochzeitsreise focuses on the 'trip' aspect, whereas Flitterwochen focuses on the 'time' spent together. This means a couple can have Flitterwochen even if they stay at home.
- Unlike the English 'honeymoon', which can refer to any initial period of harmony in a new project or job, Flitterwochen is almost exclusively reserved for romantic marriages.
Examples in context
- Wie waren eure Flitterwochen?How was your honeymoon?This sentence is useful for asking how someone's Flitterwochen was.Tatoeba #3900573 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3890643 by Hybrid
- Hattet ihr schöne Flitterwochen?Did you have a nice honeymoon?This sentence is useful for asking if someone had a nice Flitterwochen.Tatoeba #13875865 by Waldelfe, translation #12338203 by CK
- Wir sind auf unserer Hochzeitsreise.We're on our honeymoon.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently on your Hochzeitsreise.Tatoeba #3001862 by Manfredo, translation #2546277 by CK
- Wir planen unsere Flitterwochen auf den Malediven.We are planning our honeymoon in the Maldives.
- Nach der Hochzeit gehen wir auf eine unvergessliche Hochzeitsreise.After the wedding, we are going on an unforgettable honeymoon.
- Wir verbringen unseren Flitterurlaub in Paris.We are spending our honeymoon in Paris.
- Unser Hochzeitsurlaub führt uns in die Berge.Our honeymoon takes us to the mountains.
- Unsere Hochzeitsfahrt führt uns in die wunderschöne Steiermark.Our honeymoon takes us to the beautiful Styria region.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about their wedding plans.
- LukasWohin wollt ihr in den Flitterwochen hinreisen?Where do you want to travel for your honeymoon?
- JuliaWir möchten unsere Flitterwochen in Italien verbringen.We want to spend our honeymoon in Italy.
- LukasDas klingt nach einem tollen Plan, Julia.That sounds like a great plan, Julia.
- JuliaJa, wir freuen uns schon sehr darauf.Yes, we are really looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honeymoon” translations and entries Flitterwochen, Hochzeitsreise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Flitterwochen, Hochzeitsreise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
