Zalig Kerstfeest
Belgium, traditional
In Flanders the usual Christmas greeting is Zalig Kerstfeest. You will also hear Zalige Kerstdagen and the more widely Dutch Vrolijk Kerstfeest.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Zalig Kerstfeest | Belgium, traditional |
| Zalige Kerstdagen | Belgium |
| Vrolijk Kerstfeest | also used |
People say it in person and write it on cards. Many people pair it with a New Year wish in the same message.
Which one should you use?
Zalig is an older, warmer word for "blessed" or "blissful" and is the typical choice in Belgium. Vrolijk means "cheerful" and is the usual choice in the Netherlands.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kerstfeest means "Christmas celebration". Kerstdagen is the plural "Christmas days", which covers the whole holiday.
Did you know?
- The Belgian and Dutch Christmas greetings differ in one word, zalig versus vrolijk, which is a quick clue to where a card came from.
Examples in context
- Zalig Kerstfeest!Merry Christmas!
- Zalige Kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
- Vrolijk Kerstfeest aan iedereen!Merry Christmas to everyone!
Example conversation
Marie wishes her colleague Tom a good holiday on the last working day before Christmas in Antwerp.
- MarieZalig Kerstfeest, Tom!Merry Christmas, Tom!
- TomDank je, jij ook!Thank you, you too!
- MarieTot in het nieuwe jaar.See you in the new year.
