Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weihnachtsmann | /ˈvaɪ̯.naxtsˌman/ | masculine |
| Christkind | /ˈkʁɪstˌkɪnt/ | neuter |
| Nikolaus | /ˈnɪkoˌlaʊ̯s/ /ˈniːkoˌlaʊ̯s/ (regional, uncommon) |
masculine |
| Samichlaus | Switzerland, masculine |
The term refers to the fictional figure of Santa Claus.
What does it mean word for word?
Weihnachtsmann is a compound word consisting of Weihnacht (Christmas) and Mann (man), literally meaning "Christmas man".
Which one should you use?
While Weihnachtsmann is the standard German equivalent for Santa Claus, it is distinct from other figures. Nikolaus refers to Saint Nicholas, a historical and religious figure celebrated on December 6th, whereas Weihnachtsmann is the secular figure associated with Christmas Eve. Additionally, Christkind (meaning "Christ child") is a different figure often used in Southern Germany and Austria to bring gifts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the specific Swiss German term used for this figure is Samichlaus. In certain alpine regions, including southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Santa Claus has a fearsome companion called Krampus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Weihnachtsmann is Weihnachtsmänner.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈvaɪ̯.naxtsˌman/.
Did you know?
- The Christkind is often visualized as a golden-haired angel or a fairy rather than a bearded man in a suit.
- In some German traditions, children must recite a poem or sing a song to prove they are 'good' before Nikolaus will give them a treat.
- The word Nikolaus is a borrowed term from the Latin Nīcolāus.
Examples in context
- Der Weihnachtsmann war da.Santa Claus was here.This sentence shows the use of Weihnachtsmann to state his presence.Tatoeba #11802250 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9444600 by Cabo
- Glaubst du an den Weihnachtsmann?Do you believe in Santa Claus?This sentence uses Weihnachtsmann in a question about belief.Tatoeba #9176931 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6042710 by mailohilohi
- Den Weihnachtsmann gibt es nicht.Santa Claus isn't real.This sentence uses Weihnachtsmann to state he is not real.Tatoeba #12182616 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10661968 by AutoBot
- Der Nikolaus hat mir gestern Abend eine Tüte voller Süßigkeiten gebracht.Saint Nicholas brought me a bag full of sweets last night.
- Guck mal, der Weihnachtsmann hat mir einen tollen Spielzeugroboter gebracht!Look, Santa Claus brought me an awesome toy robot!
- Pass auf, Knecht Ruprecht schaut nach den artigen Kindern.Be careful, Knecht Ruprecht is watching out for the well-behaved children.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are decorating a Christmas tree.
- SarahWo ist eigentlich der Weihnachtsmann?Where is Santa Claus, anyway?
- JulianEr bringt die Geschenke erst morgen.He is not bringing the presents until tomorrow.
- SarahIch hoffe, der Weihnachtsmann bringt mir ein Buch.I hope Santa Claus brings me a book.
- JulianDas wird er bestimmt tun, Sarah.He will certainly do that, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “santa claus” translations and entries Weihnachtsmann, Christkind, Nikolaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Christkind, Nikolaus, Weihnachtsmann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
