Advent
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Advent
The period of four weeks before Christmas during which Christians prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. This time is often marked by special traditions such as Advent wreaths and Advent calendars.
Im Advent zünden wir jeden Sonntag eine weitere Kerze am Adventskranz an.
During Advent, we light another candle on the Advent wreath every Sunday.
To talk about the entire time period, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative: 'im Advent' (during Advent). When talking about one of the four Sundays, you use 'an' with the dative: 'am ersten Advent' (on the first Sunday of Advent).
Im Advent besuchen wir gerne Weihnachtsmärkte.
During Advent, we like to visit Christmas markets.
The word 'Advent' is the basis for many traditional terms related to the Christmas season. These include, for example, 'der Adventskranz' (Advent wreath), 'der Adventskalender' (Advent calendar), and 'der Adventssonntag' (Sunday of Advent).
Die Kinder freuen sich jeden Tag darauf, ein Türchen im Adventskalender zu öffnen.
The children look forward every day to opening a little door in the Advent calendar.
Advent is an important time in German-speaking countries, with established customs. A central element is the Advent wreath with four candles, one more of which is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent.
Wenn alle vier Kerzen brennen, ist bald Weihnachten.
When all four candles are burning, Christmas will be here soon.
Christmas season
'Advent' and 'Weihnachtszeit' are close together in time and are often mentioned together in everyday language. 'Advent' more specifically refers to the four weeks before Christmas. 'Weihnachtszeit' is broader: it often begins with Advent and extends beyond the Christmas holidays, sometimes until early January. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with candles, decorations, and a Christmas atmosphere. If you mean exactly the four weeks before Christmas, 'Advent' is more appropriate. For the whole period around Christmas, 'Weihnachtszeit' sounds more natural.
Im Advent zündet meine Familie jeden Sonntag eine Kerze an.
During Advent, my family lights a candle every Sunday.
In der Weihnachtszeit besuchen wir oft unsere Verwandten und backen Plätzchen.
During the Christmas season, we often visit our relatives and bake cookies.