Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Urlaub | /ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/ | masculine |
| Ferien | /ˈfeːri̯ən/ | feminine, plural |
Urlaub is the standard and most widely used term for a period of leisure time. It specifically refers to time off from a job or a specific trip taken by an individual. To express the idea of spending or going on a vacation, you can use the phrase Urlaub machen. If you are talking specifically about the act of requesting or taking leave from your employment, use Urlaub nehmen.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to periods of leisure, they are used in different contexts. Urlaub refers to time off from work or a personal trip. In contrast, Ferien is typically used to refer to school holidays or fixed seasonal breaks, such as summer or winter breaks.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is 'on vacation', use the prepositional phrase im Urlaub. Because Ferien is a plural noun, you cannot use the phrase 'im Ferien'. Instead, you would use constructions such as in den Ferien.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say im Ferien. Because Ferien is a plural noun, it requires different prepositional usage, such as in den Ferien.
Did you know?
- The German concept of Urlaub often involves 'Urlaubsreif' which describes a person who is 'ripe for vacation' because they are so stressed.
- Because Urlaub is etymologically linked to the verb erlauben, meaning 'to permit', the word literally carries the sense of having permission to be absent.
- In a military context, Urlaub specifically refers to the official leave granted to a soldier, maintaining its original sense of 'permission'.
Examples in context
- Tom ist im Urlaub.Tom is on vacation.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom is on vacation using Urlaub.Tatoeba #7592037 by wolfgangth, translation #3818814 by CK
- Alle sind im Urlaub.Everyone is on vacation.This sentence is useful for saying that everyone is on vacation using Urlaub.Tatoeba #7132916 by Luiaard, translation #7132918 by Luiaard
- Ich habe auch Ferien.I'm on vacation, too.This sentence is useful for saying that you are on vacation using Ferien.Tatoeba #10029763 by wolfgangth, translation #3819160 by CK
- Ich mache Urlaub in DeutschlandI am going on vacation to Germany.
- Die Sommerferien sind langThe summer vacation is long.
- Ich plane eine Auszeit von sechs MonatenI am planning a six-month break.
- Ich gehe diese Woche in den UrlaubI am going on vacation this week.
- Er macht eine Auszeit, um zu reisenHe is taking a break to travel.
- Ich mache Urlaub in ItalienI am going on vacation to Italy.
- Ich habe drei Wochen UrlaubI have three weeks of vacation.
- Wir bleiben zwei Wochen im AuslandWe will stay abroad for two weeks.
- 222 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are talking about their upcoming time off at work.
- SarahWann beginnt dein Urlaub, Felix?When does your vacation begin, Felix?
- FelixMein Urlaub geht zwei Wochen lang.My vacation lasts for two weeks.
- SarahDas ist toll, ich habe auch bald Urlaub.That is great, I also have vacation soon.
- FelixGenieß deine freie Zeit!Enjoy your free time!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vacation” translations and entries Urlaub, Ferien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ferien, Urlaub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
