holiday / feast day
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holiday / feast day
A day on which people do not work but celebrate because of a special religious, national, or public occasion; a public holiday.
Der erste Mai ist in Deutschland ein gesetzlicher Festtag.
May 1st is a public holiday in Germany.
The word is simply composed of 'das Fest' (celebration/festival) and 'der Tag' (day). So it literally describes a day on which people celebrate.
Weihnachten ist für viele Menschen der wichtigste Festtag des Jahres.
Christmas is the most important holiday of the year for many people.
In the plural, 'die Festtage' (the holidays), the word is often used as a fixed expression for the holidays at the end of the year (Christmas and New Year). People then wish each other 'schöne Festtage' (happy holidays).
Wir wünschen Ihnen und Ihrer Familie frohe Festtage!
We wish you and your family happy holidays!
A distinction is often made between a 'gesetzlicher Festtag' (public holiday), on which most people have the day off, and a 'kirchlicher Festtag' (church feast day), which has a religious background.
Der 3. Oktober ist ein gesetzlicher Festtag in Deutschland.
October 3rd is a public holiday in Germany.
You can often recognize the figurative meaning from intensifying words like 'wahr' (true/real) or 'rein' (pure). It then describes a moment of great personal joy.
Die Veröffentlichung seines ersten Buches war ein wahrer Festtag für den Autor.
The publication of his first book was a real special day for the author.
holiday
'Feiertag' and 'Festtag' can both mean a special day on which people celebrate or on which something is important. In everyday language, 'Feiertag' especially suggests an official day off. 'Festtag' puts more emphasis on the celebration, the special atmosphere, or the great significance of the day. It can also sound a bit more ceremonial. The words are easy to confuse because a public holiday is often also a festive day. When you are talking about a day off work and something legally established, 'Feiertag' is more natural. When the celebration or special significance is the focus, 'Festtag' fits better.
Für die ganze Familie war die Hochzeit ein echter Festtag.
For the whole family, the wedding was a truly special day.
Vor dem Feiertag kaufe ich noch Brot und Milch ein.
Before the holiday, I still buy bread and milk.