vacation time
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vacation season
The period of the year when most people go on vacation, especially the peak season in summer.
Während der Urlaubszeit sind die Autobahnen in Richtung Süden oft überfüllt.
During vacation season, the highways heading south are often overcrowded.
'Urlaubszeit' is a compound noun made up of 'der Urlaub' (vacation), the linking '-s-', and 'die Zeit' (time). So it literally means 'the time of vacation'.
Die Urlaubszeit ist für viele die schönste Zeit des Jahres.
For many people, vacation time is the nicest time of the year.
The meaning often depends on the article. 'Die Urlaubszeit' (the vacation season, with the definite article) usually means the general holiday season in summer. 'Meine/deine/seine Urlaubszeit' (my/your/his vacation time, with a possessive pronoun) refers to a person's individual vacation period.
In der Urlaubszeit sind die Hotels oft ausgebucht.
During vacation season, the hotels are often fully booked.
When the general holiday season is meant, 'Urlaubszeit' (vacation season) is often connected with topics such as travel, traffic, and seasonality. Typical expressions are 'während der Urlaubszeit' (during vacation season), 'Beginn der Urlaubszeit' (start of vacation season), or 'Stau in der Urlaubszeit' (traffic jam during vacation season).
Viele Familien fahren zu Beginn der Urlaubszeit ans Meer.
Many families go to the seaside at the start of vacation season.
vacation / leave
'der Urlaub' and 'die Urlaubszeit' both have to do with time off from work or school. 'Urlaub' usually means a specific person's vacation time or leave, or the permission to have time off. 'Urlaubszeit' often means a time of year when many people go on vacation, for example in summer. But it can also mean the personal period when someone is currently on vacation. The words can be confusing because both talk about days off. As a practical rule: for an individual person, you usually say 'Urlaub'. When you are talking about a season or a period with many vacationers, 'Urlaubszeit' fits better.
In der Urlaubszeit sind die Züge oft voller als sonst.
During vacation season, the trains are often fuller than usual.
Nächste Woche hat die Lehrerin Urlaub und fährt ans Meer.
Next week the teacher is on vacation and is going to the seaside.