turn of the year
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turn of the year
The time of transition from the old year to the new year, especially the days around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Viele Menschen feiern den Jahreswechsel mit Feuerwerk und guten Vorsätzen.
Many people celebrate the turn of the year with fireworks and New Year's resolutions.
The word is made up of 'Jahr' (year), the linking element '-es-', and 'Wechsel' (change). So it literally describes the 'Wechsel des Jahres' (change of the year).
Wir planen unsere Reise um den Jahreswechsel herum.
We are planning our trip around the turn of the year.
You use 'zum Jahreswechsel' when talking about the occasion, and 'am Jahreswechsel' when you mean the exact point in time. Both expressions are very common.
Zum Jahreswechsel schicken sich die Leute Grüße.
At the turn of the year, people send each other greetings.
The 'Jahreswechsel' (turn of the year) is closely connected with certain traditions. Typical activities are 'gute Vorsätze fassen' (to make New Year's resolutions), 'mit Sekt anstoßen' (to toast with sparkling wine), or 'ein Feuerwerk ansehen' (to watch fireworks).
Mein guter Vorsatz zum Jahreswechsel ist, mehr Sport zu treiben.
My New Year's resolution at the turn of the year is to do more sports.
year-end
'das Jahresende' and 'der Jahreswechsel' are close to each other in time. 'Jahresende' refers more to the final phase of the old year, for example November and December or the time shortly before December 31. 'Jahreswechsel' refers more specifically to the transition from the old year to the new year, especially New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The words can be confused because both have to do with the end of the year. When talking about work, appointments, or preparations in December, 'Jahresende' often fits. When it is about New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, or the transition, 'Jahreswechsel' is more precise.
Über den Jahreswechsel bleibt das Büro geschlossen.
The office remains closed over the turn of the year.
Zum Jahresende haben viele Firmen besonders viel zu tun.
At year-end, many companies have a particularly large amount to do.