das Weihnachten
Christmas
The Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, usually celebrated on December 24, 25, and 26.
EXAMPLE
Wir feiern Weihnachten immer mit der ganzen Familie.
We always celebrate Christmas with the whole family.
das Weihnachten
Christmas
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Meanings
das Weihnachten
Christmas period
Refers to the period of time around the Christmas holidays.
EXAMPLE
Über Weihnachten fahren wir für ein paar Tage weg.
Over Christmas, we’re going away for a few days.
Usage tips
Word history
The name 'Weihnachten' (Christmas) comes from the Old High German words 'wîhe nahten', which means something like 'holy nights'. This refers to the sacred nights around the winter solstice.
EXAMPLE
Die Tradition des Weihnachtsbaums hat eine lange Geschichte.
The tradition of the Christmas tree has a long history.
Use without an article
In most cases, 'Weihnachten' (Christmas) is used like a proper noun without an article, especially in combination with prepositions.
EXAMPLE
Was wünschst du dir zu Weihnachten?
What do you want for Christmas?
Important prepositions
The preposition signals the exact meaning: 'an Weihnachten' means the holidays themselves, 'zu Weihnachten' means the occasion (often for gifts), and 'über Weihnachten' means the entire period.
EXAMPLE
An Weihnachten sind die Geschäfte geschlossen.
At Christmas, the shops are closed.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Frohe Weihnachten!' or 'Fröhliche Weihnachten!' is the most common greeting used to wish someone a happy Christmas season.
EXAMPLE
Am Telefon sagte sie: „Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch!“
On the phone she said, 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!'
Compare with
Weihnachten vs Weihnachtszeit
Christmas season
Weihnachten can refer to the holiday itself or to the period around the Christmas holidays. Weihnachtszeit explicitly refers to the longer period, which usually begins during Advent and extends beyond the holidays. Use Weihnachten for the holiday itself or the holidays in general, and Weihnachtszeit for the entire season.
Weihnachten
Dieses Weihnachten verbringen wir bei meinen Eltern.
This Christmas, we are spending the holiday with my parents.
Weihnachtszeit
In der Weihnachtszeit beginnt der Markt schon im Advent.
During the Christmas season, the market starts as early as Advent.
In real life
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