Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Party | /ˈpaːɐ̯ti/ | feminine |
| Feier | /ˈfa̯ɪɐ/ | feminine |
| Fest | /fɛst/ | neuter |
| Fete | /ˈfeːtə/ | feminine |
The term for 'party' changes based on whether you are describing a casual social gathering with music, a formal celebration or a large-scale festival. For very formal social events, you might see the term Gesellschaftliche Veranstaltung (social event) used. If the event is specifically a reception where hosts welcome guests, the word Empfang is used. To express the act of throwing a party in an informal way, you can use the phrase Party machen.
Which one should you use?
Party usually implies a casual social event involving music. Feier is a more general and neutral term for a celebration or a formal party. Fest is used for larger-scale events like a festival, a town fair or a significant formal celebration.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Feier is the most appropriate and formal way to say 'party' in German. Party is a colloquial loanword very common in modern German, especially among younger generations, to describe a casual gathering. Fete is an informal but dated term that is less common in everyday modern conversation. For formal celebrations that emphasize a ceremonial nature, you can use Festlichkeit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the loanword Party is Partys.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaːɐ̯ti/
Did you know?
- The term Feier is often used for solemn events, such as a 'Trauerfeier' or funeral service. In these cases, it refers to a ceremony rather than a celebratory party.
- The German word fest can mean both a 'celebration' and the adjective 'firm' or 'solid'.
- The word Feier comes from the Latin 'fēriae', which referred to religious holidays or days of rest.
Examples in context
- Wer gibt die Feier?Who will host the party?This sentence is useful for asking who is hosting the Feier.Tatoeba #777189 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #35707 by CK
- Das ist eine Party.That's a party.This sentence is useful for stating that something is a Party.Tatoeba #1098616 by Espi, translation #1098568 by cntrational
- Es war keine Party.It wasn't a party.Tatoeba #2819090 by freddy1, translation #2549032 by CK
- Der Empfang des Botschafters war eine beeindruckende Festlichkeit.The ambassador's reception was an impressive celebration.
- Lass uns heute Abend eine Party machen!Let’s throw a party tonight!
- Die Fete gestern war der Wahnsinn!Yesterday’s party was amazing!
- 1021 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking about their weekend plans.
- JulianGehst du heute Abend auf eine Party?Are you going to a party tonight?
- SarahJa, eine Freundin von mir feiert Geburtstag.Yes, a friend of mine is celebrating her birthday.
- JulianSoll ich etwas für die Party mitbringen?Should I bring something for the party?
- SarahEin bisschen Obst wäre toll, Julian.Some fruit would be great, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “party” translations and entries Party, Feier, Fest, Fete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Feier, Fest, Fete, Party, fest, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
