das Fest
celebration
A celebration at which people come together for a special occasion to eat, drink, or socialize.
EXAMPLE
Zum Geburtstag veranstaltet sie ein großes Fest.
She is throwing a big celebration for her birthday.
das Fest
celebration / festival
das Fest, die Feste
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Fest
religious festival
A religious holiday or celebration that commemorates an important event or religious figure.
EXAMPLE
Das Fest der Auferstehung wird in vielen Ländern feierlich begangen.
The Festival of the Resurrection is solemnly observed in many countries.
das Fest
festival
A usually public event featuring music, culture, entertainment, or particular traditions.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer findet in unserer Stadt ein internationales Fest statt.
An international festival takes place in our city in the summer.
ein Fest für die Augen, Ohren
a feast for the eyes / ears
Something that is especially beautiful to look at or pleasant to listen to and therefore provides great enjoyment.
EXAMPLE
Das farbenfrohe Feuerwerk war ein Fest für die Augen.
The colorful fireworks were a feast for the eyes.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Fest, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Feste |
| genitive | des Festes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Fest | die Feste |
| accusative | das Fest | die Feste |
| dative | dem Fest | den Festen |
| genitive | des Festes des Fests | der Feste |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
The German word “Fest” (celebration / festival) is often used with verbs such as “feiern” (to celebrate), “veranstalten” (to organize), “besuchen” (to attend), and “stattfinden” (to take place). For the location of a celebration, German often uses “auf einem Fest” (at a celebration) or “auf dem Fest” (at the celebration).
EXAMPLE
Wir veranstalten zum Abschluss des Schuljahres ein Fest.
We are organizing a celebration at the end of the school year.
Viele Familien treffen sich jedes Jahr auf dem Fest.
Many families get together at the celebration every year.
Private celebration
In the sense of a private celebration, “Fest” (celebration) is often connected with an occasion or a person, for example a birthday, wedding, or anniversary. Typical patterns are “ein Fest zu ...” (a celebration for ...) and “ein Fest für jemanden” (a celebration for someone).
EXAMPLE
Zu ihrer Hochzeit gab die Familie ein großes Fest.
The family threw a big celebration for their wedding.
Die Kinder organisierten ein kleines Fest für ihren Großvater.
The children organized a small celebration for their grandfather.
Religious context
The religious meaning is often recognizable from a religious name or from the phrase “das Fest der ...” (the festival of ...). Such festivals are often used with verbs such as “begehen” (to observe), “feiern” (to celebrate), or “vorbereiten” (to prepare).
EXAMPLE
Die Gemeinde bereitet das Fest der Geburt Christi vor.
The congregation is preparing for the Festival of the Birth of Christ.
Public event
When referring to a public event, “Fest” (festival) often appears in compounds with a place, theme, or tradition, such as “Stadtfest” (city festival), “Straßenfest” (street festival), or “Volksfest” (folk festival). Such a festival is often organized by a city, club, or organization.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein organisiert im August ein großes Sommerfest.
The club is organizing a big summer festival in August.
Beim Stadtfest gibt es Musik, Essen und ein buntes Programm.
There is music, food, and a varied program at the city festival.
Fixed expression
In the expression “ein Fest für die Augen” (a feast for the eyes) or “ein Fest für die Ohren” (a feast for the ears), “Fest” (celebration) is used figuratively for an especially beautiful experience. After “für” (for), the perception or person being described is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Sonnenuntergang über dem Meer war ein Fest für die Augen.
The sunset over the sea was a feast for the eyes.
Das Konzert mit dem großen Chor wurde zu einem Fest für die Ohren.
The concert with the large choir became a feast for the ears.
In real life
Loading video examples...