01
die Schulferien
school holidays
The period during which no classes take place at schools; time off from school.
example
In den Schulferien fahren viele Familien in den Urlaub.
During the school holidays, many families go on vacation.
die Schulferien
school holidays
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Schul-' (school) and 'Ferien' (holidays). It therefore refers to the holidays associated with the institution of school.
EXAMPLE
Die nächsten Schulferien beginnen in zwei Wochen.
The next school holidays begin in two weeks.
Use in the plural
The word 'Schulferien' (school holidays) is used almost exclusively in the plural, because it refers to a longer period of several days or weeks. A singular form is unusual.
EXAMPLE
Was machst du in den Sommerferien?
What are you doing during the summer holidays?
Typical prepositions
To indicate a period of time, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative: 'in den Schulferien' (during the school holidays). When talking about the holidays as a destination of anticipation, you use 'auf' with the accusative: 'sich auf die Schulferien freuen' (to look forward to the school holidays).
EXAMPLE
In den Schulferien habe ich meine Großeltern besucht.
During the school holidays, I visited my grandparents.
Cultural context
In Germany, the dates for the school holidays are set by the individual federal states. The summer holidays in particular therefore take place at different times in order to reduce travel traffic.
EXAMPLE
Wenn in Bayern noch Schule ist, haben die Kinder in Berlin schon Schulferien.
While school is still in session in Bavaria, the children in Berlin already have school holidays.
Compare with
Schulferien vs Urlaub
vacation / leave
'der Urlaub' and 'die Schulferien' both have to do with free time. 'Urlaub' is personal time off, especially from work, that you take or are granted. 'Schulferien' are fixed periods when there are no classes at schools. Children then have time off from school, and families often go on vacation during this time. The words can be confused because vacations often take place during the school holidays. Still, 'Schulferien' are the school's break period, while 'Urlaub' is personal time off or a trip.
Schulferien
Wegen der Schulferien sind viele Züge im Sommer sehr voll.
Because of the school holidays, many trains are very full in summer.
Urlaub
Heute buche ich den Urlaub für die letzte Juliwoche.
Today I am booking the vacation for the last week of July.
In real life
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