die Weihnachten 30초 만에
- Annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Main celebration in Germany is on the evening of December 24th (Heiligabend).
- Characterized by Christmas trees, gifts (Bescherung), and family meals.
- Grammatically treated as a plural noun, often used without an article.
The term die Weihnachten refers to the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, but in the German-speaking world, it encompasses a vast cultural and emotional landscape that extends far beyond a single day. While grammatically often treated as a plural noun (originally from the Middle High German 'wīhen nahten' meaning 'holy nights'), it describes the period from the evening of December 24th (Heiligabend) through December 26th. In a broader sense, it includes the entire 'Weihnachtszeit' (Christmas season), starting from the first Sunday of Advent. This period is characterized by 'Besinnlichkeit'—a uniquely German concept of contemplative, cozy, and reflective tranquility. It is a time when the darkness of winter is countered by the 'Lichterglanz' (glow of lights) from candles and Christmas trees.
- The Religious Core
- At its heart, it is the 'Christfest', celebrating the incarnation of God. Even for the non-religious, the themes of hope, peace, and light in the darkness remain central.
- The Secular Tradition
- Modern celebrations focus on family gatherings, the 'Tannenbaum' (Christmas tree), and the exchange of gifts known as 'Bescherung'.
- The Temporal Scope
- Unlike the Anglo-American focus on December 25th, German 'Weihnachten' peaks on the evening of the 24th.
An Weihnachten kommen alle Geschwister nach Hause, um gemeinsam zu essen und Lieder zu singen.
The atmosphere of 'die Weihnachten' is deeply tied to sensory experiences: the scent of 'Zimt' (cinnamon) and 'Nelken' (cloves), the taste of 'Stollen' and 'Plätzchen', and the sound of 'Stille Nacht'. It is a season of 'Gemütlichkeit', where the home becomes a sanctuary against the cold. Historically, the 'holy nights' were twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (Rauhnächte), believed to be a mystical time when the veil between worlds was thin. Today, while the mystical elements have faded, the sense of 'Weihnachtswunder' (Christmas miracle) persists in literature and film.
Ich liebe die Stimmung, die die Weihnachten jedes Jahr in die Stadt bringen.
- Symbolism
- The evergreen tree represents eternal life, while the star atop it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem.
Weiße Weihnachten sind in Deutschland leider selten geworden, aber wir hoffen jedes Jahr auf Schnee.
Using die Weihnachten correctly requires understanding its unique grammatical status. In modern German, 'Weihnachten' is most frequently used as a proper noun without an article, similar to 'Ostern' (Easter) or 'Pfingsten' (Pentecost). However, when you want to describe the holiday as a specific event or a recurring period, the plural feminine 'die' or the neuter 'das' (more common in the singular) can appear. The most common preposition used with it is 'an' (at/on) or 'zu' (at/for). For example, 'an Weihnachten' refers to the specific days, while 'zu Weihnachten' often refers to the gifts received or the general season.
- Prepositional Nuances
- 'An Weihnachten' (on Christmas), 'Zu Weihnachten' (for/at Christmas), 'Vor Weihnachten' (before Christmas).
- Adjective Declension
- Because it is treated as a plural, adjectives take the plural ending: 'Frohe Weihnachten', 'Weiße Weihnachten'.
Was hast du dir zu Weihnachten gewünscht?
In compound words, 'Weihnachten' usually loses its plural 'n' or uses the combining form 'Weihnachts-'. Examples include 'Weihnachtsbaum' (Christmas tree), 'Weihnachtsmarkt' (Christmas market), and 'Weihnachtslied' (Christmas carol). It is important to note that 'Heiligabend' (Holy Evening, Dec 24th) is the most important part of the German Christmas, but 'Weihnachten' covers the 25th (Erster Weihnachtstag) and 26th (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) as well. If you are writing a card, the standard greeting is 'Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr'.
Die Kinder freuen sich schon riesig auf die Weihnachten bei den Großeltern.
- Verb Pairings
- 'Weihnachten feiern' (to celebrate), 'Weihnachten verbringen' (to spend), 'Weihnachten einläuten' (to usher in).
You will encounter die Weihnachten in almost every sphere of German life starting from late November. The most iconic location is the 'Weihnachtsmarkt'. Here, the word is spoken amidst the smell of 'Glühwein' and 'gebrannte Mandeln'. Vendors will wish you 'Schöne Weihnachten'. In retail, 'das Weihnachtsgeschäft' (Christmas business) is a frequent topic of news, referring to the surge in shopping. In churches, the 'Weihnachtsevangelium' (Christmas Gospel) is read, and 'Weihnachtsgottesdienste' (Christmas services) are packed, even by those who rarely attend church otherwise.
Im Radio laufen ab November ununterbrochen Weihnachtslieder.
In the workplace, 'die Weihnachtsfeier' (Christmas party) is a mandatory social ritual. It is where colleagues bond over food and drink before the 'Betriebsferien' (company holidays). On television, 'Weihnachtsklassiker' like 'Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel' are broadcast annually. You will also hear it in weather reports, where meteorologists debate the likelihood of 'Weiße Weihnachten' (a White Christmas). In family settings, the word is synonymous with tradition, 'Plätzchenbacken' (baking cookies), and the 'Adventskranz' (Advent wreath).
- Public Announcements
- 'Wir wünschen allen Fahrgästen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest.'
- News Headlines
- 'Der Ansturm auf die Innenstädte vor Weihnachten bleibt aus.'
One of the most frequent mistakes for learners is the use of the definite article. While the prompt specifies die Weihnachten, in 90% of spoken sentences, you should use 'Weihnachten' without any article. Saying 'Ich liebe die Weihnachten' sounds slightly poetic or old-fashioned; 'Ich liebe Weihnachten' is the natural way. Another common error is confusing 'Weihnachten' with 'Heiligabend'. 'Weihnachten' is the whole period, while 'Heiligabend' is specifically the evening of the 24th when the gifts are opened.
- Preposition Error
- Avoid saying 'in Weihnachten'. Use 'an' or 'zu'. Correct: 'An Weihnachten schneit es.' Incorrect: 'In Weihnachten schneit es.'
- Spelling
- Always capitalize 'Weihnachten'. It is a noun. Also, remember the 'h' after the 'ei'.
Falsch: Ich fahre
inWeihnachten nach Hause. Richtig: Ich fahre an Weihnachten nach Hause.
Another mistake is the pluralization. Since 'Weihnachten' is already plural in origin, you don't add an extra 's' or 'e'. 'Die Weihnachten' is the plural form. If you want to talk about multiple years, you say 'die letzten Weihnachten' (the last few Christmases). Learners also often struggle with the word 'Bescherung'. It specifically means the act of giving/opening gifts, not the whole holiday. Don't say 'Wir feiern die Bescherung' if you mean the whole festival.
Several words are closely related to die Weihnachten but carry different nuances. 'Das Weihnachtsfest' is a more formal way to refer to the celebration itself. 'Die Adventszeit' refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. 'Die Festtage' (the feast days) is a collective term for the 25th and 26th of December. 'Heiligabend' is the specific evening of the 24th. 'Nikolaustag' (December 6th) is a separate holiday where children get small treats in their boots, often confused by outsiders with Christmas itself.
- Das Christfest
- A more religious, slightly archaic term for Christmas.
- Die Bescherung
- Specifically the gift-giving ceremony.
- X-Mas
- Used in advertising and informal texting, but rarely in spoken German.
Statt Weihnachten sagen manche auch einfach 'die Feiertage', wenn sie die Zeit zwischen den Jahren meinen.
Then there are words for the atmosphere: 'weihnachtlich' (Christmassy) is the adjective used to describe decorations or feelings. 'Vorweihnachtszeit' is the period of preparation. 'Zwischen den Jahren' (between the years) refers to the time between Christmas and New Year's Day, often a time of rest in Germany. Understanding these distinctions helps in navigating the complex social calendar of the German winter.
How Formal Is It?
발음 가이드
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Compound Nouns (Weihnachts-)
Dative with 'zu'
Accusative with 'auf' (freuen auf)
Zero article with holidays
Adjective endings in plural
수준별 예문
Ich wünsche dir frohe Weihnachten!
I wish you a merry Christmas!
Greeting phrase.
Wir haben einen Weihnachtsbaum.
We have a Christmas tree.
Noun: der Weihnachtsbaum.
Was isst du an Weihnachten?
What do you eat at Christmas?
Preposition 'an'.
Die Kinder bekommen Geschenke.
The children get presents.
Plural noun.
Weihnachten ist im Winter.
Christmas is in winter.
Time indication.
Ich singe ein Weihnachtslied.
I sing a Christmas song.
Compound noun.
Meine Mutter backt Kekse für Weihnachten.
My mother bakes cookies for Christmas.
Preposition 'für'.
Kommt der Weihnachtsmann?
Is Santa Claus coming?
Subject-verb order.
An Weihnachten besuchen wir meine Großeltern.
On Christmas, we visit my grandparents.
Temporal adverbial.
Ich freue mich auf die Weihnachten mit der Familie.
I am looking forward to Christmas with the family.
Reflexive verb + preposition 'auf'.
In Deutschland feiert man Weihnachten am 24. Dezember.
In Germany, people celebrate Christmas on Dec 24th.
Impersonal 'man'.
Wir kaufen die Geschenke schon vor Weihnachten.
We buy the gifts already before Christmas.
Preposition 'vor'.
Der Weihnachtsmarkt ist sehr schön.
The Christmas market is very beautiful.
Subject-predicate.
Zu Weihnachten gibt es oft Gans.
For Christmas, there is often goose.
Preposition 'zu' for food/gifts.
Hast du schon alle Weihnachtsgeschenke?
Do you have all the Christmas presents yet?
Interrogative sentence.
Wir schmücken den Baum kurz vor Weihnachten.
We decorate the tree shortly before Christmas.
Accusative object.
Weihnachten ist das Fest der Liebe und der Familie.
Christmas is the festival of love and family.
Genitive case usage.
Viele Menschen gehen an Weihnachten in die Kirche.
Many people go to church on Christmas.
Directional preposition 'in die'.
Ich hoffe dieses Jahr auf weiße Weihnachten.
I hope for a white Christmas this year.
Verb 'hoffen auf' + accusative.
Die Vorfreude auf Weihnachten ist die schönste Freude.
The anticipation of Christmas is the greatest joy.
Abstract noun 'Vorfreude'.
Nach Weihnachten beginnen die Ferien.
After Christmas, the holidays begin.
Preposition 'nach'.
Wie verbringst du die Weihnachten dieses Jahr?
How are you spending Christmas this year?
Transitive verb 'verbringen'.
Es ist Tradition, an Weihnachten zusammen zu singen.
It is tradition to sing together at Christmas.
Infinitiv mit 'zu'.
Die Stadt ist weihnachtlich dekoriert.
The city is decorated in a Christmassy way.
Adverbial use of adjective.
Trotz des Stresses vor Weihnachten genießen wir die Feiertage.
Despite the stress before Christmas, we enjoy the holidays.
Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.
Die Bedeutung von Weihnachten hat sich über die Jahre gewandelt.
The meaning of Christmas has changed over the years.
Present perfect tense.
Viele Einzelhändler sind auf das Weihnachtsgeschäft angewiesen.
Many retailers depend on the Christmas business.
Adjective + preposition 'auf'.
An Weihnachten besinnt man sich auf die wichtigen Dinge im Leben.
At Christmas, one reflects on the important things in life.
Reflexive verb 'sich besinnen auf'.
Das Weihnachtsfest wird in jeder Familie anders gefeiert.
The Christmas festival is celebrated differently in every family.
Passive voice.
Er konnte an Weihnachten leider nicht nach Hause fahren.
Unfortunately, he couldn't go home for Christmas.
Modal verb in Präteritum.
Die weihnachtliche Beleuchtung sorgt für eine gemütliche Atmosphäre.
The Christmas lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Verb 'sorgen für'.
Wir schenken uns dieses Jahr nichts zu Weihnachten.
We aren't giving each other anything for Christmas this year.
Reciprocal pronoun 'uns'.
Die Kommerzialisierung von Weihnachten wird oft scharf kritisiert.
The commercialization of Christmas is often sharply criticized.
Nominalization.
An Weihnachten tritt oft eine melancholische Stimmung ein.
A melancholic mood often sets in at Christmas.
Intransitive verb 'eintreten'.
Das Brauchtum rund um Weihnachten ist regional sehr verschieden.
The customs surrounding Christmas vary greatly by region.
Collective noun 'Brauchtum'.
Manche Menschen empfinden Weihnachten als eine emotionale Belastung.
Some people perceive Christmas as an emotional burden.
Verb 'empfinden als'.
Die Liturgie an Weihnachten ist besonders feierlich gestaltet.
The liturgy at Christmas is designed to be particularly solemn.
Adverbial 'feierlich'.
Weihnachten dient oft als Anlass für eine familiäre Aussprache.
Christmas often serves as an occasion for a family discussion.
Verb 'dienen als'.
In der Literatur wird das Weihnachtswunder oft thematisiert.
The Christmas miracle is often a theme in literature.
Verb 'thematisieren'.
Die Sehnsucht nach heilen Weihnachten ist tief verwurzelt.
The longing for a perfect Christmas is deeply rooted.
Participle used as adjective.
Die Ambivalenz von Weihnachten spiegelt sich in der modernen Kunst wider.
The ambivalence of Christmas is reflected in modern art.
Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.
Weihnachten evoziert bei vielen Menschen Kindheitserinnerungen.
Christmas evokes childhood memories in many people.
Elevated verb 'evozieren'.
Die sakrale Dimension von Weihnachten verblasst zunehmend.
The sacred dimension of Christmas is increasingly fading.
Adverb 'zunehmend'.
Es herrscht eine fast greifbare Erwartungshaltung vor Weihnachten.
There is an almost palpable sense of expectation before Christmas.
Compound noun 'Erwartungshaltung'.
Weihnachten als kulturelles Konstrukt unterliegt stetigem Wandel.
Christmas as a cultural construct is subject to constant change.
Verb 'unterliegen' + dative.
Die ethische Komponente von Weihnachten wird oft vernachlässigt.
The ethical component of Christmas is often neglected.
Passive voice with modal nuance.
Weihnachten markiert den kulminierenden Punkt des Kirchenjahres.
Christmas marks the culminating point of the liturgical year.
Present participle as adjective.
Die Dialektik zwischen Konsum und Besinnung prägt Weihnachten.
The dialectic between consumption and reflection shapes Christmas.
Philosophical terminology.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
More people use 'X-Mas' in digital marketing.
In Austria, 'Jänner' is used for January after Christmas.
-
Use 'an' for holidays.
-
Plural adjective ending is standard.
-
Double 'n' at the end of 'Mann'.
-
Compound nouns must be joined, often with an 's'.
-
While 'gern haben' is okay, 'mögen' is more common for the holiday.
팁
Tree Timing
Many Germans only put up and decorate the tree on the morning of the 24th.
Greetings
You can start wishing people 'Schöne Weihnachten' about a week before the 24th.
Prepositions
Use 'zu' for gifts ('zu Weihnachten bekommen') and 'an' for the time ('an Weihnachten').
Visiting
The 25th and 26th are usually for visiting extended family (grandparents, aunts).
Deadlines
Buy your food early; supermarkets are incredibly crowded on the 23rd and 24th morning.
Carols
Learn 'O Tannenbaum' or 'Stille Nacht' to join in the singing.
Plätzchen
Baking cookies is a huge part of the 'Vorweihnachtszeit' (pre-Christmas time).
Church
Even non-churchgoers often attend the 'Christmette' (midnight mass) or late afternoon service.
White Christmas
Don't expect snow in most of Germany; it's often rainy and grey ('Schmuddelwetter').
Wichteln
Secret Santa is called 'Wichteln' in German-speaking countries.
암기하기
기억법
WEIH-NACHTEN: 'WEIH' sounds like 'Why' (Why celebrate?), 'NACHTEN' sounds like 'Nights'. The Holy Nights.
어원
Middle High German 'wīhen nahten'
문화적 맥락
The 25th and 26th are both public holidays.
The gift-giving ceremony, usually on the evening of the 24th.
The traditional gift-bringer in Southern/Catholic regions.
The more modern, secular gift-bringer in Northern/Protestant regions.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Wie feierst du dieses Jahr Weihnachten?"
"Was ist dein liebstes Weihnachtsessen?"
"Hast du schon alle Geschenke gekauft?"
"Magst du Weihnachtsmärkte?"
"Gibt es bei euch weiße Weihnachten?"
일기 주제
Beschreibe dein schönstes Weihnachtsfest.
Was bedeutet Weihnachten für dich persönlich?
Welche Traditionen sind dir wichtig?
Schreibe einen Wunschzettel an das Christkind.
Vergleiche Weihnachten in Deutschland mit deinem Heimatland.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Usually, it's used without an article. If used, 'die' (plural) is standard, though 'das' occurs regionally.
The main celebration is on the evening of December 24th (Heiligabend).
Common dishes include potato salad with sausages, roast goose, or carp.
They have the 'Weihnachtsmann', but also the 'Christkind' and 'St. Nikolaus'.
It is the specific time when gifts are exchanged and opened.
The most common way is 'Frohe Weihnachten!'.
Shops close early on the 24th and are completely closed on the 25th and 26th.
A wreath with four candles, one lit each Sunday before Christmas.
Yes, but it is also a major secular and cultural event for everyone.
It refers to the quiet time between Christmas and New Year's Day.
셀프 테스트 103 질문
/ 103 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Weihnachten is the central family holiday in Germany, blending religious significance with deep-seated cultural traditions like the 'Adventskranz', 'Weihnachtsmarkt', and the pivotal 'Bescherung' on the evening of December 24th.
- Annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Main celebration in Germany is on the evening of December 24th (Heiligabend).
- Characterized by Christmas trees, gifts (Bescherung), and family meals.
- Grammatically treated as a plural noun, often used without an article.
Tree Timing
Many Germans only put up and decorate the tree on the morning of the 24th.
Greetings
You can start wishing people 'Schöne Weihnachten' about a week before the 24th.
Prepositions
Use 'zu' for gifts ('zu Weihnachten bekommen') and 'an' for the time ('an Weihnachten').
Visiting
The 25th and 26th are usually for visiting extended family (grandparents, aunts).
예시
Wir feiern Weihnachten mit der Familie.
관련 콘텐츠
society 관련 단어
Aktivist
A2활동가는 정치적 또는 사회적 변화를 위해 일하는 사람입니다.
Amt
A2관공서나 공공 기관. 그는 여권을 갱신하기 위해 관공서에 가야 했습니다.
Arbeitslosigkeit
A2실업. 직업이 없는 상태.
Armut
A2가난은 기본적인 생활 필요를 충족시키기 위한 자원이 부족한 상태입니다.
ausgrenzen
B1어떤 사람을 집단이나 사회에서 배제하거나 소외시키는 것.
begegnen
A2우연히, 계획 없이 누군가 또는 무언가를 만나거나 마주치다.
begleiten
A2동행하다
Behörde
A2정부 기관 또는 공공 당국. 새 주소를 등록하려면 관청(Behörde)에 가야 합니다.
Beitrag
B1조합이나 보험에 정기적으로 지불하는 금액 (회비/보험료).
beitragen
A2어떤 목적이나 그룹을 돕기 위해 시간이나 돈 등을 제공하는 것을 말해.
