Frohe Weihnachten
neutral
In Austria you say Frohe Weihnachten for "Merry Christmas". Fröhliche Weihnachten and Schöne Weihnachten mean the same.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Frohe Weihnachten | neutral |
| Fröhliche Weihnachten | neutral |
| Schöne Weihnachten | casual |
People say it in the days before Christmas and on Christmas Eve. Austrians open presents on the evening of 24 December, so Frohe Weihnachten is often the last greeting before that evening.
When do people say it?
In Austria the gifts are traditionally brought by the Christkind, the Christ child, rather than by Santa Claus.
Did you know?
- Einen guten Rutsch is the usual German wish before New Year.
Examples in context
- Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute!Merry Christmas and all the best!
- Schöne Weihnachten euch allen!Merry Christmas to all of you!
- Fröhliche Weihnachten!Merry Christmas!
Example conversation
Anna wishes her colleague Tobias a happy holiday on the last working day before Christmas in Linz.
- AnnaFrohe Weihnachten, Tobias!Merry Christmas, Tobias!
- TobiasDanke, dir auch frohe Weihnachten!Thanks, merry Christmas to you too!
- AnnaUnd einen guten Rutsch.And a good start to the new year.
