summer vacation
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summer vacation
A vacation that is usually taken during the summer months, often involving travel to warmer regions or relaxation in nature.
Dieses Jahr fahren wir im Sommerurlaub nach Italien ans Meer.
This year we're going to Italy by the sea for our summer vacation.
'Sommerurlaub' (summer vacation) is a compound noun made from 'der Sommer' (summer) and 'der Urlaub' (vacation). As with most German compounds, the last word ('der Urlaub') determines the article of the entire word.
Der Sommerurlaub ist für viele die schönste Zeit des Jahres.
For many people, summer vacation is the best time of the year.
The combination of a time expression with '-urlaub' (-vacation) is very productive in German. Words like 'Winterurlaub' (winter vacation), 'Osterurlaub' (Easter vacation), or 'Skiurlaub' (ski vacation) are formed according to the same pattern.
Planst du dieses Jahr einen Winterurlaub in den Bergen?
Are you planning a winter vacation in the mountains this year?
To express movement or a destination, you use 'in den Sommerurlaub' (on summer vacation) with the accusative. To describe a state or period of time, you use 'im Sommerurlaub' (during summer vacation) with the dative.
Nächste Woche fliegen wir in den Sommerurlaub.
Next week we're flying off on summer vacation.
In connection with preparation, the verbs 'planen' (to plan) and 'buchen' (to book) are often used. When talking about the time itself, 'verbringen' (to spend) or 'genießen' (to enjoy) are typical.
Wir haben unseren Sommerurlaub schon im Januar gebucht.
We booked our summer vacation back in January.
vacation / leave
'der Urlaub' and 'der Sommerurlaub' both mean time off for relaxation or travel. 'Urlaub' is general and can take place at any time of year. 'Sommerurlaub' is more specific and means a vacation during the summer months. People often think of sun, the sea, mountains, or nature, but the season is the most important point. The words can be confused because every summer vacation is also a vacation. If the time of year does not matter, simply say 'Urlaub'. If you are talking about the vacation or trip in the summer, 'Sommerurlaub' is more precise.
Für den Sommerurlaub mietet Erik eine kleine Wohnung am See.
For his summer vacation, Erik is renting a small apartment by the lake.
Tom ist nächste Woche im Urlaub und beantwortet keine E-Mails.
Tom is on vacation next week and will not answer any emails.