feiern
to celebrate
To mark a special occasion such as a birthday, festival, or success with other people, often with a party.
EXAMPLE
Wir feiern am Samstag den 80. Geburtstag meiner Oma.
We're celebrating my grandma's 80th birthday on Saturday.
feiern
to celebrate
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
feiern
to celebrate
To enthusiastically praise, acclaim, or cheer someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die Fans feierten ihre Mannschaft nach dem unerwarteten Sieg.
The fans celebrated their team after the unexpected victory.
sich feiern lassen
to be celebrated
To visibly enjoy public recognition and applause for one's own achievement.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem sie den Preis gewonnen hatte, ließ sich die Schauspielerin auf der Bühne ausgiebig feiern.
After she had won the prize, the actress let herself be celebrated extensively on stage.
Usage tips
Typical occasions
The verb 'feiern' (to celebrate) is typically connected with positive, special events. Common combinations are 'Geburtstag feiern' (to celebrate a birthday), 'Hochzeit feiern' (to celebrate a wedding), 'Jubiläum feiern' (to celebrate an anniversary), or 'einen Sieg feiern' (to celebrate a victory).
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr feiern wir unser zehnjähriges Firmenjubiläum.
Next year we are celebrating our company's tenth anniversary.
Colloquial use
In colloquial language, 'feiern' (to celebrate) or 'feiern gehen' often simply means 'to have a party' or 'to go out and have fun', even without a specific occasion.
EXAMPLE
Kommst du am Freitag mit uns feiern?
Are you coming to celebrate with us on Friday?
Context clue
While you celebrate occasions (meaning 1), you can also cheer people or groups for an achievement. The object of the verb here is usually a person, an artist, or a team.
EXAMPLE
Das Publikum feierte den Pianisten mit stehenden Ovationen.
The audience celebrated the pianist with a standing ovation.
Reflexive expression
The construction 'sich feiern lassen' (to let oneself be celebrated) is reflexive and describes that a person is at the center of recognition and enjoys it. The person is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Nach ihrem Tor ließ sich die Stürmerin von den Fans feiern.
After her goal, the striker let herself be celebrated by the fans.
Compare with
feiern vs begehen
to commit / to celebrate
Both words can refer to a special occasion. „Feiern“ is more general and usually suggests a cheerful celebration, while „begehen“ sounds more formal and can also refer to observing an occasion ceremonially, without an exuberant party. „Feiern“ is more suitable for a party, while „begehen“ is often used for a formal occasion.
feiern
Wir feiern das Jubiläum am Samstag mit einem großen Fest.
We’re celebrating the anniversary with a big party on Saturday.
begehen
Die Stadt begeht das Jubiläum am Samstag mit einer offiziellen Gedenkfeier.
The city is observing the anniversary with an official memorial ceremony on Saturday.
In real life
Loading video examples...