die Festlichkeit
festivity / celebration
A festive event or celebration held for a special occasion.
EXAMPLE
Die Festlichkeit zur Eröffnung des Museums begann um sieben Uhr.
The festivity to mark the museum's opening began at seven o'clock.
die Festlichkeit
festivity
die Festlichkeit, die Festlichkeiten
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Meanings
die Festlichkeit
festive atmosphere
The solemn and festive mood or presentation of an event.
EXAMPLE
Die festliche Dekoration verlieh dem Empfang eine besondere Festlichkeit.
The festive decorations gave the reception a special atmosphere of festivity.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Festlichkeit, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Festlichkeiten |
| genitive | der Festlichkeit |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Festlichkeit | die Festlichkeiten |
| accusative | die Festlichkeit | die Festlichkeiten |
| dative | der Festlichkeit | den Festlichkeiten |
| genitive | der Festlichkeit | der Festlichkeiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective „festlich“ (festive) is contained in „Festlichkeit“ (festivity). The ending „-keit“ turns it into a noun; the connection with the adjective is especially clear when it refers to a mood or presentation.
EXAMPLE
Die elegante Kleidung der Gäste unterstrich die Festlichkeit des Abends.
The guests' elegant clothing emphasized the festive atmosphere of the evening.
Typical collocations
For events, the phrases „Festlichkeiten ausrichten“ (to organize festivities) and „an Festlichkeiten teilnehmen“ (to take part in festivities) are typical. With „teilnehmen“ (to take part), the event is introduced by „an“ with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein richtet die Festlichkeiten zum Jubiläum aus.
The association is organizing the festivities for the anniversary.
Auch ehemalige Mitglieder nehmen an den Festlichkeiten teil.
Former members are also taking part in the festivities.
Use in the plural
For special occasions, the plural „Festlichkeiten“ (festivities) is often used, frequently with an expression such as „zum Jubiläum“ (for the anniversary) or „zur Hochzeit“ (for the wedding). It can refer to the entire program of several festive events.
EXAMPLE
Die Festlichkeiten zur Hochzeit dauerten ein ganzes Wochenende.
The wedding festivities lasted an entire weekend.
Context clue
Phrases such as „die Festlichkeit des Augenblicks“ (the festivity of the moment) or „die Festlichkeit des Anlasses“ (the festivity of the occasion) point to a special atmosphere. In such phrases, „Festlichkeit“ (festivity) does not refer to a single event.
EXAMPLE
Die leise Musik passte zur Festlichkeit des Augenblicks.
The soft music suited the festive atmosphere of the moment.
In real life
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