Santa Claus
Loading your saved state.
Santa Claus
A fictional figure who, in many Western cultures during the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Eve, brings children presents.
Die kleinen Kinder schreiben Wunschzettel an den Weihnachtsmann.
The little children write wish lists to Santa Claus.
The word is composed of 'Weihnachten' (Christmas), the linking -s, and 'Mann' (man). So it literally means 'Christmas man'.
Im Kaufhaus saß ein Mann, der als Weihnachtsmann verkleidet war.
In the department store, there was a man sitting there who was dressed as Santa Claus.
Common verbs in connection with Santa Claus are 'an den Weihnachtsmann glauben' (to believe in Santa Claus), 'einen Wunschzettel schreiben' (to write a wish list), and 'Geschenke bringen' (to bring presents). Note the fixed preposition 'an' with the accusative in 'glauben'.
Meine kleine Nichte glaubt noch fest an den Weihnachtsmann.
My little niece still firmly believes in Santa Claus.
Der Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus) is the dominant gift-bringing figure in northern, central, and eastern Germany. In southern and western Germany as well as in Austria and Switzerland, it is traditionally more often the 'Christkind' (Christ Child) who brings the presents.
In unserer Familie kam früher immer der Weihnachtsmann.
In our family, Santa Claus always used to come.
Christ Child
'Weihnachtsmann' and 'Christkind' can both be the figure who brings children presents at Christmas. The difference lies mainly in the tradition and in how the figure is imagined. The 'Weihnachtsmann' is often shown as an older man with a red coat. The 'Christkind' is more of an angel-like figure and is especially well known in many regions shaped by Catholic tradition. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with presents on Christmas Eve. Which figure sounds more natural often depends on the region and the family.
Die Kinder warten gespannt, weil der Weihnachtsmann heute Abend die Geschenke bringen soll.
The children are waiting excitedly because Santa Claus is supposed to bring the presents this evening.
In Annas Familie legt das Christkind die Geschenke heimlich unter den Baum.
In Anna's family, the Christ Child secretly puts the presents under the tree.