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A1 verb #2,200 am häufigsten 14 Min. Lesezeit

Celebrar

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'celebrar' is introduced as a highly practical and essential vocabulary word primarily associated with joyous personal events and basic social interactions. The core meaning taught at this stage is simply 'to celebrate' or 'to have a party'. Learners encounter this verb in the context of common, relatable life events such as birthdays (cumpleaños), holidays like Christmas (Navidad) or New Year (Año Nuevo), and family gatherings. The grammar focus is on the present tense conjugation of regular -ar verbs, which makes 'celebrar' very easy to learn and apply. Students practice forming basic sentences using the structure: Subject + celebrar + direct object. For example, 'Yo celebro mi cumpleaños' (I celebrate my birthday) or 'Nosotros celebramos la fiesta' (We celebrate the party). The vocabulary surrounding 'celebrar' at this level includes words for family members, days of the week, months, and basic party items like cake (pastel) and gifts (regalos). The goal is for learners to be able to express what they are celebrating, who they are celebrating with (using the preposition 'con'), and when the celebration is happening. Cultural notes at this level often highlight the importance of family celebrations in Spanish-speaking cultures, emphasizing that 'celebrar' is a communal activity. Exercises focus on matching the verb with appropriate occasions and practicing simple affirmative and negative sentences. By mastering 'celebrar' at the A1 level, students gain the ability to participate in basic conversations about their personal lives, share joyous news, and understand simple invitations to social events, laying a crucial foundation for social interaction in Spanish.
At the A2 elementary level, the understanding and application of the verb 'celebrar' expand significantly as learners begin to use past and future tenses. While the core meaning remains focused on festivities and personal milestones, the ability to narrate past celebrations and plan future ones adds depth to communication. Students learn to use the preterite tense to talk about specific completed events, such as 'Ayer celebré mi aniversario' (Yesterday I celebrated my anniversary), and the imperfect tense to describe recurring past celebrations, like 'De niño, celebraba la Navidad con mis abuelos' (As a child, I used to celebrate Christmas with my grandparents). The future is expressed using the 'ir a + infinitive' structure, enabling learners to discuss upcoming plans: 'Vamos a celebrar tu graduación el sábado' (We are going to celebrate your graduation on Saturday). The vocabulary associated with 'celebrar' broadens to include more diverse events such as weddings (bodas), graduations (graduaciones), and local festivals. Furthermore, learners at the A2 level are introduced to the use of prepositions to add detail to their sentences, such as 'en' for location (celebrar en un restaurante) and 'por' for reason (celebrar por el nuevo trabajo). The concept of reflexive verbs is gently introduced, and students might start recognizing the passive use 'se celebra' in simple announcements, though active production is not heavily emphasized yet. Cultural lessons delve deeper into specific Hispanic traditions and holidays, showing how 'celebrar' is enacted differently across various countries. By the end of A2, learners can confidently recount past parties, describe their typical holiday traditions, and make plans for future celebrations with friends and family.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'celebrar' transitions from purely personal and festive contexts to encompass broader cultural, civic, and somewhat formal situations. Learners are expected to understand and produce more complex sentences involving this verb. A key development at this stage is the active use of the reflexive passive form, 'celebrarse', which translates to 'to take place' or 'to be held'. This is crucial for understanding news, invitations, and schedules. Students learn to say, 'El festival se celebra en agosto' (The festival is held in August) or 'La reunión se celebrará mañana' (The meeting will be held tomorrow). This marks a significant step in grammatical sophistication. The vocabulary expands to include civic events, cultural festivals, and professional gatherings. Learners discuss how cities 'celebran' their founding anniversaries or how organizations 'celebran' conferences. The subjunctive mood is also introduced at B1, allowing students to express desires or recommendations related to celebrations: 'Quiero que celebremos juntos' (I want us to celebrate together) or 'Es importante que celebres tus éxitos' (It is important that you celebrate your successes). Furthermore, learners begin to distinguish 'celebrar' from its synonyms, particularly 'festejar' (to party) and 'conmemorar' (to commemorate), understanding that 'celebrar' is more versatile and can apply to formal events where 'festejar' would be inappropriate. Cultural competence at this level involves discussing the social significance of public celebrations and understanding the nuances of formal versus informal invitations. By mastering these aspects, B1 learners can navigate a wider range of social and professional interactions in Spanish.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the mastery of 'celebrar' involves a deep understanding of its formal, abstract, and idiomatic applications. Learners move beyond literal parties and events to use the verb in professional, legal, and academic contexts. A major focus is the formal definition of 'celebrar' as 'to conclude', 'to formalize', or 'to hold' in a legal or business sense. Students learn crucial collocations such as 'celebrar un contrato' (to sign/conclude a contract), 'celebrar un acuerdo' (to reach an agreement), 'celebrar un juicio' (to hold a trial), and 'celebrar elecciones' (to hold elections). This formal register is essential for reading news articles, business reports, and official documents. Idiomatic expressions also become a significant part of the curriculum. Learners are taught phrases like 'celebrar por todo lo alto' (to celebrate in style/lavishly) and learn to understand the subtle emotional undertones when 'celebrar' is used to mean 'to be glad about' something, as in 'Celebro que hayas venido' (I am glad/I celebrate that you have come), which triggers the subjunctive. The grammatical focus includes complex tense combinations, such as the conditional and past subjunctive, to discuss hypothetical celebrations: 'Si tuviéramos dinero, lo celebraríamos en París' (If we had money, we would celebrate it in Paris). Students are expected to seamlessly switch between the active and passive reflexive ('se celebra') voices depending on the focus of their discourse. Cultural discussions at B2 analyze the socio-political implications of national celebrations and the formal protocols of business meetings in the Hispanic world. This comprehensive understanding allows B2 learners to communicate with precision and nuance in both highly formal and deeply personal contexts.
At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of the verb 'celebrar', utilizing it with high precision across the full spectrum of its meanings, from the most colloquial idioms to the most rigid legal terminology. At this stage, the focus is on stylistic variation, rhetorical impact, and mastering the subtle pragmatics of the word. C1 users effortlessly deploy 'celebrar' in complex, multi-clause sentences, often involving advanced subjunctive structures and passive voice constructions. They understand the literary and slightly archaic use of 'celebrar' meaning 'to praise' or 'to extol', as in 'El poeta celebra la belleza de la naturaleza' (The poet praises the beauty of nature). In professional contexts, they do not merely know the phrase 'celebrar un contrato'; they can debate the terms under which a contract was 'celebrado' using sophisticated business Spanish. They are highly attuned to register, knowing exactly when to use 'celebrar', 'festejar', 'conmemorar', 'oficiar', or 'llevar a cabo' to achieve the precise tone required by the context. Idiomatic usage is natural and spontaneous. Furthermore, C1 learners can comprehend and analyze complex texts, such as historical accounts, legal verdicts, or literary critiques, where 'celebrar' might be used in nuanced or metaphorical ways. They can express nuanced emotional states, using 'celebrar' to indicate profound approval or relief: 'Celebro profundamente la decisión del tribunal' (I deeply welcome/celebrate the court's decision). The cultural understanding at this level involves a critical analysis of how celebrations reflect societal values, historical memory, and political power dynamics in different Spanish-speaking regions. Mastery at C1 means 'celebrar' is a fully integrated, flexible tool in the learner's extensive vocabulary.
At the C2 proficiency level, the use of 'celebrar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. The learner demonstrates absolute mastery over all semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic dimensions of the verb. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, the focus is on the artistic, academic, and highly specialized applications of the word. C2 users can play with the word's meanings, using it ironically, metaphorically, or poetically. They are comfortable with the most obscure or domain-specific collocations, such as those found in international law (e.g., 'celebrar un tratado internacional') or specialized religious discourse. They can effortlessly navigate historical texts where the usage of 'celebrar' might differ slightly from modern conventions. In terms of production, C2 learners use 'celebrar' to craft elegant, persuasive, and sophisticated discourse. They can write academic essays analyzing the sociological impact of how a community 'celebra' its identity, or draft complex legal documents detailing the conditions under which an agreement is 'celebrado'. Their understanding of synonyms is exhaustive, allowing them to make microscopic distinctions in meaning to achieve the perfect rhetorical effect. They recognize and can produce regional variations and highly localized idioms involving the concept of celebration. The reflexive passive 'se celebra' is used with absolute naturalness to depersonalize discourse in academic or journalistic writing. At the C2 level, 'celebrar' is not just a vocabulary word to be translated; it is a conceptual tool used to articulate complex ideas about human interaction, societal structures, formal agreements, and the expression of collective emotion with unparalleled fluency and grace.
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Celebrar in 30 Sekunden

  • Core meaning: To observe a special event or milestone with festivities, joy, and gatherings.
  • Grammar: A regular -ar verb. Use the reflexive 'celebrarse' to say an event 'is held' or 'takes place'.
  • Formal use: In business or law, it means to hold a meeting or conclude a contract (e.g., celebrar un contrato).
  • Prepositions: Use 'con' for who you celebrate with, 'en' for where, and 'por' for the reason.
The Spanish verb celebrar is a fundamental and highly versatile lexical item that translates primarily to 'to celebrate' in English. It is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation predictable and accessible for learners at all stages. The core semantic meaning of celebrar revolves around observing a special day, event, or milestone with festivities, joy, and communal gathering. However, its usage extends far beyond mere parties. In a broader sense, it encompasses the act of commemorating historical events, honoring individuals, and even formally conducting meetings or concluding agreements. Understanding the multifaceted nature of celebrar requires an exploration of its cultural, social, and pragmatic dimensions within the Spanish-speaking world.
Core Definition
To observe an event with festivities or to commemorate a significant occasion.
When we look at the etymology, the word derives from the Latin 'celebrare', which meant to frequent, to go in great numbers, or to honor. This historical root perfectly encapsulates the modern usage, where celebrating inherently implies a gathering of people to share in a collective experience.

Vamos a celebrar tu cumpleaños este fin de semana con una gran fiesta.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word constantly. Birthdays, anniversaries, national holidays, and personal achievements are all primary candidates for the verb celebrar. Beyond the festive context, it is crucial to recognize its formal applications. For instance, in legal or corporate contexts, 'celebrar un contrato' means to enter into or conclude a contract, and 'celebrar una reunión' means to hold a meeting. This dual nature—both festive and formal—makes it an indispensable tool for effective communication.
Formal Usage
To hold, conduct, or formalize an event, meeting, or agreement.

La empresa va a celebrar una reunión importante mañana por la mañana.

The cultural weight of the word cannot be overstated. In Hispanic cultures, celebrations are deeply ingrained in the social fabric. They are not just events; they are vital mechanisms for maintaining family bonds, reinforcing community ties, and preserving traditions. Therefore, when you use the word celebrar, you are often tapping into a rich tradition of hospitality, warmth, and shared joy.

Es importante celebrar los pequeños logros de la vida diaria.

Furthermore, the emotional resonance of the word is significant. It conveys a sense of positivity, validation, and communal support. Whether it is a graduation, a promotion, or simply the arrival of the weekend, the act of celebrating is an affirmation of life's positive moments.
Reflexive Form
Celebrarse: To take place, to be held (e.g., El concierto se celebra hoy).

El festival de música se va a celebrar en el parque central este año.

In literature and media, the word is frequently employed to evoke scenes of jubilation and collective harmony. It is a word that paints a picture of smiling faces, music, dancing, and shared meals.

Toda la ciudad salió a las calles para celebrar la victoria del equipo nacional.

To fully master this word, learners must practice its application across these diverse contexts, from the intimate family gathering to the formal corporate boardroom, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its semantic range.
Using the verb celebrar correctly involves understanding its syntactic structures, common collocations, and the subtle nuances that dictate its appropriateness in various contexts. As a transitive verb, celebrar typically requires a direct object. You must celebrate *something*. This direct object can be a specific event, a day, an achievement, or even a formal agreement. The basic sentence structure follows the Subject + Verb + Direct Object pattern. For example, 'Yo celebro mi cumpleaños' (I celebrate my birthday).
Basic Structure
Subject + Celebrar (conjugated) + Direct Object (the event or occasion).

Nosotros solemos celebrar la Navidad en casa de mis abuelos.

One of the most common ways to use this verb is in conjunction with dates and holidays. Words like Navidad, Año Nuevo, el aniversario, and el Día de la Madre are frequent companions. In addition to the direct object, you will often use prepositional phrases to add detail to the celebration. The preposition 'en' is used for locations (celebrar en un restaurante), 'con' for companions (celebrar con la familia), and 'por' to indicate the reason or manner (celebrar por todo lo alto).
Prepositional Usage
Use 'en' for place, 'con' for people, and 'por' for the reason or style of celebration.

Ellos decidieron celebrar su aniversario con una cena romántica en la playa.

A critical aspect of using celebrar is mastering its reflexive form, 'celebrarse'. This form is used passively to indicate that an event is taking place or being held, without specifying who is organizing it. This is extremely common in news reports, invitations, and formal announcements. For instance, 'La conferencia se celebrará en Madrid' (The conference will be held in Madrid).

Los Juegos Olímpicos se van a celebrar en París este verano.

In formal and professional contexts, the usage shifts slightly. Here, celebrar translates more closely to 'to hold', 'to conduct', or 'to conclude'. You will see phrases like 'celebrar un contrato' (to sign/conclude a contract), 'celebrar un juicio' (to hold a trial), or 'celebrar elecciones' (to hold elections). This formal register is essential for advanced learners aiming for fluency in business or legal Spanish.
Professional Contexts
Used to indicate the formal execution of meetings, contracts, or civic events.

El comité va a celebrar una sesión extraordinaria para discutir el presupuesto.

Furthermore, there are idiomatic expressions that utilize this verb. 'Celebrar por todo lo alto' means to celebrate lavishly or spare no expense. Understanding these idioms adds color and native-like fluency to your speech. When deciding whether to use celebrar or a synonym like festejar, remember that while they are often interchangeable in festive contexts, celebrar is the only correct choice for formal events like meetings or contracts.

Cuando me dieron el ascenso, decidimos celebrar por todo lo alto en el mejor restaurante.

By practicing these various structures—direct objects, prepositional phrases, reflexive passive voice, and formal collocations—learners can confidently deploy the verb celebrar in any situation, ensuring their Spanish is both accurate and contextually appropriate.
The verb celebrar is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through a vast array of environments, from the most intimate domestic settings to the grandest public arenas. Its frequency is a testament to the culturally ingrained importance of marking time, honoring achievements, and gathering as a community. You will first and foremost hear this word in personal and familial contexts. Invitations to birthdays, weddings, baptisms, and anniversaries are prime locations for the word.
Family Events
Birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries are the most common contexts for this verb.

Mi familia siempre se reúne para celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias.

In everyday conversation, friends use it to plan weekend outings or to acknowledge good news. If someone passes an exam or gets a new job, the immediate response is often, '¡Tenemos que celebrarlo!' (We have to celebrate it!). Moving beyond the personal sphere, you will hear celebrar extensively in the media and public discourse. News anchors use it to report on national holidays, cultural festivals, and religious observances. During events like Carnaval, Semana Santa, or Día de los Muertos, the verb is inescapable in broadcasts and articles detailing how different regions are observing the traditions.

El noticiero informó sobre cómo la ciudad planea celebrar el bicentenario de su fundación.

Media and News
Used by journalists to describe public festivals, national holidays, and civic ceremonies.
In the corporate and professional world, the word takes on its more formal meaning. You will hear it in offices, boardrooms, and legal settings. A manager might announce, 'Vamos a celebrar una reunión de equipo a las tres' (We are going to hold a team meeting at three). Lawyers and business professionals frequently use it when discussing the signing of documents or the formalization of agreements, such as 'celebrar un acuerdo'.

Los directivos acaban de celebrar un contrato multimillonario con la nueva firma.

Sports are another massive domain where celebrar is constantly heard. Commentators describe how players celebrate a goal, a touchdown, or a championship victory. The passion of sports in Hispanic cultures means that the act of celebrating a win is analyzed, discussed, and broadcasted widely.

El jugador corrió hacia la grada para celebrar el gol con los aficionados.

Finally, in literature, poetry, and music, the word is used to evoke emotions of joy, gratitude, and communal harmony. Songs often feature lyrics inviting people to celebrate life, love, and friendship.
Arts and Culture
Frequently found in song lyrics and poetry to express joy, vitality, and communal spirit.

La canción nos invita a celebrar la vida y a olvidar nuestras penas por un momento.

Because it spans the spectrum from casual party planning to formal legal proceedings, tuning your ear to the different contexts in which celebrar is used will significantly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.
While the verb celebrar is relatively straightforward as a regular -ar verb, learners frequently encounter pitfalls related to false friends, prepositional usage, and register confusion. One of the most prevalent mistakes among English speakers is the direct translation of the English phrase 'to hold a meeting' or 'to hold an event'. English speakers often instinctively reach for the verb 'sostener' (to hold physically) or 'mantener' (to maintain). However, in Spanish, the correct and natural verb for holding an event or meeting is celebrar. Saying 'sostener una reunión' sounds unnatural and overly literal.
Translation Error
Using 'sostener' instead of 'celebrar' for holding events or meetings.

Incorrecto: Vamos a sostener una fiesta. Correcto: Vamos a celebrar una fiesta.

Another common area of confusion involves the reflexive form, celebrarse. Learners often struggle with the passive voice construction in Spanish. When an event is the subject of the sentence, and you want to say it 'takes place' or 'is held', you must use the reflexive form. For example, 'El concierto celebra mañana' is incorrect because the concert cannot celebrate itself; it must be 'El concierto se celebra mañana'. Prepositions also pose a challenge. When indicating the reason for a celebration, learners sometimes use 'para' instead of 'por'. While 'para' can be used to indicate purpose (e.g., una fiesta para celebrar), when you are celebrating *because of* something, 'por' is often more appropriate in idiomatic expressions, such as 'celebrar por todo lo alto' (to celebrate in style).

El evento se celebrará en el auditorio principal a las ocho de la tarde.

Reflexive Misuse
Forgetting the 'se' when talking about an event taking place (e.g., La boda se celebra hoy).
Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse celebrar with its synonyms, particularly festejar. While they are largely interchangeable when referring to parties and joyous occasions, they are not synonymous in formal contexts. You cannot say 'festejar un contrato' (to party a contract); it must be 'celebrar un contrato'. Festejar is strictly limited to festive, joyous occasions, whereas celebrar spans both the festive and the formal/administrative.

Es un error común decir 'festejar una reunión'; lo correcto es celebrar una reunión.

Pronunciation mistakes are less common but still occur. Ensure that the emphasis is placed on the final syllable in the infinitive form (ce-le-BRAR), and pay attention to the correct vowel sounds, particularly avoiding the reduction of the unstressed 'e' sounds to an English schwa.
Register Confusion
Using festive synonyms like 'festejar' in formal business or legal contexts.

Asegúrate de acentuar correctamente la última sílaba al pronunciar celebrar.

Finally, learners sometimes omit the direct object when it is required. In Spanish, if you say 'Vamos a celebrar', it is usually understood from context what is being celebrated, but in written or formal Spanish, it is better to specify the object: 'Vamos a celebrar tu éxito'. By being mindful of these common errors—particularly the 'sostener' false friend and the proper use of the reflexive—learners can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of their Spanish.
The Spanish language boasts a rich vocabulary for expressing joy, commemoration, and formal gatherings, providing several synonyms and related terms for the verb celebrar. Understanding the nuances between these similar words is key to developing a precise and expressive vocabulary. The most direct and common synonym is 'festejar'. Festejar shares the festive, joyous core of celebrar. It is used for birthdays, parties, and celebrations of personal achievements. However, festejar is exclusively festive; it lacks the formal, administrative, or solemn connotations that celebrar can carry. You festejar a birthday, but you do not festejar a legal contract.
Festejar
To party or celebrate in a purely joyous, festive manner. Cannot be used for formal meetings.

Mis amigos y yo vamos a festejar el fin de los exámenes esta noche.

Another important related word is 'conmemorar'. Conmemorar translates to 'to commemorate' and is used specifically for remembering and honoring significant historical events, anniversaries of important figures, or solemn occasions. While you might celebrar a national holiday with a parade, the official act of remembering the history behind it is conmemorar. It carries a tone of respect and historical memory rather than pure festivity.

El país entero se reúne para conmemorar el aniversario de su independencia.

Conmemorar
To commemorate or remember a historical or solemn event with respect.
When dealing with the formal aspect of celebrar (to hold a meeting or event), synonyms include 'realizar' (to carry out/perform) and 'llevar a cabo' (to bring to fruition/carry out). If a company is holding a conference, you could say 'se va a celebrar una conferencia' or 'se va a realizar una conferencia'. Both are correct in formal contexts, though celebrar specifically implies the convening of people for the event.

La organización planea llevar a cabo una serie de talleres educativos el próximo mes.

In religious contexts, the verb 'oficiar' is used for conducting a ceremony, such as a mass or a wedding. While a priest might oficiar a wedding, the families will celebrar the union afterward. Understanding this distinction helps in describing events accurately.
Oficiar
To officiate or conduct a religious or formal ceremony.

El sacerdote que va a oficiar la misa es un viejo amigo de la familia.

Lastly, words like 'alabar' (to praise) or 'elogiar' (to eulogize/praise) share a conceptual link with the older, more literary meaning of celebrar, which is to honor or praise someone's virtues. While less common in daily speech for this specific meaning, you might encounter it in literature where a poet 'celebra' the beauty of nature, meaning they are praising it.

El crítico de arte escribió un artículo para elogiar la nueva exposición en el museo.

By distinguishing between festejar (purely festive), conmemorar (solemn/historical), realizar (formal execution), and oficiar (religious/ceremonial), learners can select the exact word needed to convey their intended meaning with precision and cultural accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Neutral

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Informell

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Yo celebro mi cumpleaños hoy.

I celebrate my birthday today.

Present tense, first person singular.

2

Nosotros celebramos la Navidad en casa.

We celebrate Christmas at home.

Present tense, first person plural.

3

¿Tú celebras tu aniversario?

Do you celebrate your anniversary?

Present tense, second person singular informal.

4

Ellos celebran la fiesta con música.

They celebrate the party with music.

Present tense, third person plural.

5

Ella celebra su graduación mañana.

She celebrates her graduation tomorrow.

Present tense used for near future.

6

Vamos a celebrar el Año Nuevo.

We are going to celebrate the New Year.

Ir a + infinitive for future plans.

7

El niño celebra con sus amigos.

The boy celebrates with his friends.

Use of preposition 'con' (with).

8

No celebro mi cumpleaños este año.

I am not celebrating my birthday this year.

Negative sentence construction.

1

Ayer celebré mi cumpleaños con mi familia.

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday with my family.

Preterite tense, first person singular.

2

Mis padres celebraron su aniversario en un restaurante.

My parents celebrated their anniversary in a restaurant.

Preterite tense, third person plural.

3

De niño, celebraba la Navidad con mis abuelos.

As a child, I used to celebrate Christmas with my grandparents.

Imperfect tense for habitual past actions.

4

¿Cómo vas a celebrar tu nuevo trabajo?

How are you going to celebrate your new job?

Question using 'ir a + infinitive'.

5

Celebramos la victoria del equipo toda la noche.

We celebrated the team's victory all night.

Preterite tense indicating a completed action.

6

Ella siempre celebraba sus éxitos con una gran cena.

She always celebrated her successes with a big dinner.

Imperfect tense with 'siempre' (always).

7

El próximo mes celebraremos el festival del pueblo.

Next month we will celebrate the town festival.

Future tense, first person plural.

8

No pudimos celebrar porque llovió mucho.

We couldn't celebrate because it rained a lot.

Infinitive used after a conjugated modal verb (poder).

1

El festival de cine se celebra en septiembre.

The film festival is held in September.

Reflexive passive 'se celebra' for events taking place.

2

Espero que celebremos juntos tu graduación.

I hope we celebrate your graduation together.

Present subjunctive after an expression of hope.

3

La reunión se celebrará en la sala de conferencias.

The meeting will be held in the conference room.

Future tense with reflexive passive.

4

Decidieron celebrar el evento a pesar de la lluvia.

They decided to hold the event despite the rain.

Infinitive used after the verb 'decidir'.

5

Me alegra que hayas celebrado tu ascenso.

I am glad that you celebrated your promotion.

Present perfect subjunctive after an emotion.

6

La ciudad entera celebra su bicentenario este año.

The entire city celebrates its bicentennial this year.

Use of 'celebrar' for civic/historical events.

7

Si apruebas el examen, lo celebraremos por todo lo alto.

If you pass the exam, we will celebrate it in style.

First conditional sentence structure.

8

Se han celebrado muchas bodas en esta iglesia antigua.

Many weddings have been held in this old church.

Present perfect tense with reflexive passive.

1

Las empresas acaban de celebrar un contrato muy lucrativo.

The companies have just concluded a very lucrative contract.

Formal usage meaning 'to conclude/sign'.

2

Celebro que la junta directiva haya tomado esa decisión.

I am glad/I welcome that the board of directors has made that decision.

Used to express approval, triggering the subjunctive.

3

El juicio se celebrará a puerta cerrada por motivos de seguridad.

The trial will be held behind closed doors for security reasons.

Legal context using the reflexive passive.

4

Si hubiéramos ganado, lo habríamos celebrado en la plaza mayor.

If we had won, we would have celebrated it in the main square.

Third conditional (past perfect subjunctive + conditional perfect).

5

El gobierno anunció que se celebrarán elecciones anticipadas.

The government announced that early elections will be held.

Political context, reflexive passive in the future tense.

6

Es fundamental que el acuerdo se celebre antes del viernes.

It is essential that the agreement be concluded before Friday.

Impersonal expression triggering the present subjunctive passive.

7

Tras largas negociaciones, finalmente celebraron el tratado de paz.

After long negotiations, they finally concluded the peace treaty.

Historical/diplomatic context.

8

La conferencia, que se celebra anualmente, atrae a miles de expertos.

The conference, which is held annually, attracts thousands of experts.

Relative clause using the reflexive passive.

1

El poeta celebra en sus versos la efímera belleza de la juventud.

The poet praises in his verses the ephemeral beauty of youth.

Literary usage meaning 'to praise' or 'to extol'.

2

La cumbre internacional se celebrará bajo estrictas medidas de seguridad.

The international summit will be held under strict security measures.

Advanced formal vocabulary and passive construction.

3

Celebro enormemente su perspicacia al abordar este complejo asunto.

I greatly applaud your astuteness in tackling this complex issue.

Expressing intellectual approval or commendation.

4

El contrato se entenderá celebrado en el momento de la firma.

The contract shall be deemed concluded at the moment of signing.

Highly formal legal jargon (se entenderá celebrado).

5

A pesar de las adversidades, la comunidad se empeñó en celebrar sus ritos ancestrales.

Despite the adversities, the community insisted on holding its ancestral rites.

Complex sentence structure with advanced vocabulary (empeñarse en).

6

Se han celebrado innumerables debates sobre la viabilidad de este proyecto económico.

Countless debates have been held regarding the viability of this economic project.

Passive voice with an abstract subject (debates).

7

No hay motivo alguno para celebrar semejante despropósito.

There is absolutely no reason to celebrate such nonsense.

Rhetorical use expressing strong disapproval.

8

La ceremonia de clausura se celebró con una fastuosidad sin precedentes.

The closing ceremony was held with unprecedented lavishness.

Advanced descriptive vocabulary (fastuosidad sin precedentes).

1

La jurisprudencia dicta que el acuerdo fue celebrado en fraude de ley.

Jurisprudence dictates that the agreement was concluded in circumvention of the law.

Highly specialized legal terminology (fraude de ley).

2

El autor celebra la resiliencia del espíritu humano frente a la tiranía ineludible.

The author extols the resilience of the human spirit in the face of inescapable tyranny.

Sophisticated literary analysis context.

3

Que se celebre o no el simposio dependerá de la financiación obtenida en la última ronda.

Whether or not the symposium is held will depend on the funding obtained in the final round.

Complex subjunctive clause acting as the subject of the sentence.

4

Habiéndose celebrado el cónclave, se procedió a la lectura del veredicto final.

The conclave having been held, they proceeded to read the final verdict.

Absolute participial phrase (Habiéndose celebrado).

5

Resulta paradójico que se celebre un tratado de paz mediante la amenaza de la aniquilación mutua.

It is paradoxical that a peace treaty is concluded through the threat of mutual annihilation.

Abstract philosophical/political discourse using the subjunctive.

6

La liturgia se celebró conforme a los cánones establecidos en el concilio anterior.

The liturgy was celebrated in accordance with the canons established in the previous council.

Specialized religious/historical vocabulary.

7

Celebro, y no sin cierta ironía, que por fin hayan reconocido su error garrafal.

I welcome, and not without a certain irony, that they have finally acknowledged their colossal mistake.

Nuanced emotional expression with parenthetical insertion.

8

El pacto, celebrado a espaldas de la ciudadanía, carece de toda legitimidad democrática.

The pact, concluded behind the citizens' backs, lacks all democratic legitimacy.

Participial phrase used as an adjective modifying an abstract noun.

Häufige Kollokationen

celebrar un cumpleaños
celebrar una fiesta
celebrar un contrato
celebrar una reunión
celebrar un acuerdo
celebrar la Navidad
celebrar el Año Nuevo
celebrar una victoria
celebrar un aniversario
celebrar una boda

Häufige Phrasen

vamos a celebrar

hay que celebrar

celebrar a lo grande

celebrar por todo lo alto

celebrar en familia

celebrar con amigos

motivo para celebrar

celebrar un triunfo

celebrar la ocasión

celebrar la vida

Wird oft verwechselt mit

Celebrar vs sostener

Celebrar vs mantener

Celebrar vs festejar

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Leicht verwechselbar

Celebrar vs

Celebrar vs

Celebrar vs

Celebrar vs

Celebrar vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

note

While 'celebrar' and 'festejar' are often interchangeable for parties, 'celebrar' is the only correct choice for formal, legal, or administrative events.

Häufige Fehler
  • Translating 'to hold a meeting' as 'sostener una reunión' instead of 'celebrar una reunión'.
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' when saying an event takes place (e.g., saying 'El evento celebra hoy' instead of 'El evento se celebra hoy').
  • Using 'festejar' in formal or business contexts (e.g., 'festejar un contrato').
  • Using the preposition 'para' instead of 'por' when indicating the reason for celebrating (e.g., 'celebrar para tu cumpleaños' instead of 'celebrar por tu cumpleaños').
  • Mispronouncing the word by putting the stress on the second syllable instead of the final syllable in the infinitive form.

Tipps

Regular Conjugation

Take advantage of the fact that 'celebrar' is a regular -ar verb. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you know how to conjugate 'celebrar'. Practice the present tense first: celebro, celebras, celebra, celebramos, celebráis, celebran. This predictability makes it a great verb for beginners to use confidently.

Avoid 'Sostener'

Never use 'sostener' to mean 'to hold an event'. This is a classic false friend for English speakers. 'Sostener' means to physically hold something up. Always use 'celebrar' for holding meetings, conferences, or parties.

Mastering 'Se Celebra'

To sound more native, practice the reflexive passive form 'se celebra'. This is crucial for reading signs, invitations, and news. When you want to say 'The party is on Friday', you can say 'La fiesta se celebra el viernes'.

Por Todo Lo Alto

Impress native speakers by using the phrase 'celebrar por todo lo alto'. It means to celebrate lavishly or in style. Use it when talking about big milestones like weddings or major promotions.

Con, En, Por

Remember the big three prepositions for 'celebrar'. Use 'con' for people (con amigos). Use 'en' for places (en casa). Use 'por' for the reason (por tu éxito).

Hay Que Celebrarlo

Adopt the cultural mindset of celebrating good news. When a Spanish-speaking friend tells you something positive, respond with '¡Hay que celebrarlo!'. It shows enthusiasm and cultural fluency.

Festejar vs Celebrar

Use 'festejar' to mix up your vocabulary when talking about parties. However, remember the golden rule: only use 'celebrar' for formal or business events. 'Festejar un contrato' is incorrect.

Stress the Last Syllable

In the infinitive form, ensure the stress falls heavily on the final syllable: ce-le-BRAR. Also, make sure your 'r' at the end is a single, crisp tap, not a hard English 'r'.

Subjunctive Trigger

For advanced learners, remember that using 'celebrar' to express an emotion (I am glad that...) triggers the subjunctive. 'Celebro que estés bien' is a sophisticated way to say 'I'm glad you're well'.

Business Spanish

If you are learning business Spanish, 'celebrar' is indispensable. Memorize collocations like 'celebrar una reunión' (hold a meeting) and 'celebrar un acuerdo' (reach an agreement) to sound professional.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

To CELEBRATE is to CELEBRAR. The words are almost identical, making it an easy cognate to remember.

Wortherkunft

From Latin 'celebrare', meaning to frequent, go in great numbers, honor, or praise.

Kultureller Kontext

In Spain, local festivals (fiestas patronales) are massive events where entire towns shut down to 'celebrar' for several days.

In Mexico, 'celebrar' the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a profound cultural event blending indigenous traditions with Catholicism.

In Argentina, celebrating often involves a 'asado' (barbecue), which is a prolonged social event centered around meat and conversation.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Cómo sueles celebrar tu cumpleaños?"

"¿Qué festividad te gusta más celebrar y por qué?"

"¿Has celebrado alguna vez una fiesta sorpresa para alguien?"

"¿Qué logro reciente te gustaría celebrar?"

"En tu país, ¿cómo se celebra el Año Nuevo?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escribe sobre la mejor fiesta que has celebrado en tu vida.

Describe cómo tu familia celebra una festividad importante.

Si pudieras celebrar un evento histórico, ¿cuál sería y por qué?

Escribe sobre una ocasión en la que tuviste que celebrar algo de manera virtual.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de celebrar los pequeños logros diarios.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Both words mean to celebrate or party in a festive context. You can 'celebrar' or 'festejar' a birthday. However, 'celebrar' has a broader meaning that includes formal and solemn events. You can 'celebrar' a contract or a meeting, but you cannot 'festejar' them. 'Festejar' is strictly limited to joyous, festive occasions.

The correct translation is 'celebrar una reunión'. Many English speakers make the mistake of translating 'hold' literally as 'sostener' or 'mantener'. In Spanish, formal events, meetings, and trials are 'celebrados'. Using 'sostener una reunión' sounds very unnatural to native speakers.

Use 'celebrarse' when you want to say that an event 'takes place' or 'is held', without focusing on who is organizing it. It acts as a passive voice. For example, 'El festival se celebra en verano' means 'The festival is held in summer'. This is very common in news, schedules, and formal invitations.

Yes, 'celebrar' is a completely regular -ar verb in all tenses and moods. It does not have any stem changes or irregular forms. This makes it very easy to conjugate. You simply drop the -ar ending and add the standard endings for the tense you need (e.g., celebro, celebras, celebra).

You use the preposition 'con' to indicate company. For example, 'Celebro mi cumpleaños con mis amigos' means 'I celebrate my birthday with my friends'. This is the standard way to express sharing a celebration with others.

Yes, in more formal or advanced Spanish, 'celebrar' can express approval or joy about a fact. When used this way, it triggers the subjunctive mood in the following clause. For example, 'Celebro que hayas venido' translates to 'I am glad/I celebrate that you have come'.

A very common idiomatic expression is 'celebrar por todo lo alto'. This literally translates to 'to celebrate by all the high', but it means to spare no expense, to throw a huge party, or to celebrate lavishly. For example, 'Vamos a celebrar tu graduación por todo lo alto'.

Technically, 'celebrar' is a transitive verb and usually takes a direct object (you celebrate *something*). However, in casual conversation, if the context is clear, the object can be omitted. For example, if someone shares good news, you can simply say '¡Vamos a celebrar!' (Let's celebrate!).

The noun form is 'la celebración', which means 'the celebration'. It is a feminine noun. You can use it to refer to the event itself, as in 'La celebración fue un éxito' (The celebration was a success). Another related noun is 'el celebrante', referring to the person officiating a ceremony.

Yes, 'celebrar' is frequently used for religious events. A priest 'celebra la misa' (celebrates mass). It is the standard verb for conducting or observing religious rites and holidays, such as 'celebrar la Navidad' or 'celebrar la Semana Santa'.

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