01
der Feierabend
end of the workday
The time after the end of the daily work, used for rest and leisure.
example
Ich freue mich schon auf den Feierabend heute um 17 Uhr.
I'm already looking forward to the end of the workday today at 5 p.m.
der Feierabend
end of the workday
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
'Feierabend' is made up of 'die Feier' (celebration) and 'der Abend' (evening). Literally, it is an 'evening for celebrating,' which emphasizes the positive meaning of the end of work as a well-earned break.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer anstrengenden Woche ist der Feierabend am Freitag besonders schön.
After a tiring week, the end of the workday on Friday feels especially good.
Cultural context
'Feierabend' is an important concept in German work culture. It refers not only to the end of work, but also to the valued and often clearly separated time for private relaxation, family, and hobbies.
EXAMPLE
Pünktlich um 17 Uhr beginnt für viele der wohlverdiente Feierabend.
Right at 5 p.m., the well-earned end of the workday begins for many people.
Typical collocations
In everyday life, 'Feierabend' is often used in fixed expressions. You 'hat Feierabend' (are off work), 'geht in den Feierabend' (head into your time after work), or wish colleagues 'einen schönen Feierabend' (a nice evening after work).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe heute erst um 19 Uhr Feierabend.
I don't get off work until 7 p.m. today.
Fixed expression
The active act of finishing work is expressed with the fixed phrase 'Feierabend machen' (to call it a day). The verb 'machen' (to make/do) is the fixed partner of the noun here.
EXAMPLE
Es ist schon spät, ich mache jetzt Feierabend.
It's already late; I'm calling it a day now.
Use as an exclamation
The exclamation 'Jetzt ist aber Feierabend!' has nothing to do with work. Colloquially, it means 'That's it!' or 'That's enough!' and is used to stop an unacceptable action immediately.
EXAMPLE
Hört sofort auf mit dem Lärm! Jetzt ist aber Feierabend!
Stop making that noise right now! That's enough!
Compare with
Feierabend vs Abend
evening
'der Abend' and 'der Feierabend' look similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'der Abend' is a time of day between late afternoon and night. 'der Feierabend' is the free time after work, or the moment when you finish work. It can be in the evening, but it does not have to be: someone who finishes at 2 p.m. already has Feierabend then. Learners often confuse the words because of their form. Remember: 'Abend' is a time of day, while 'Feierabend' is time after work.
Feierabend
Ich mache heute früher Feierabend, weil ich zum Arzt muss.
I'm finishing work earlier today because I have to go to the doctor.
Abend
Am Wochenende ist der Abend ruhig, weil die Kinder früh schlafen.
On the weekend, the evening is quiet because the children go to sleep early.
In real life
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