elf / Secret Santa
der Wichtel, die Wichtel
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elf
A small, usually friendly being from fairy tales and legends that often helps in secret or lives in a house.
Der Wichtel erledigte nachts die Arbeit, während alle schliefen.
The elf did the work at night while everyone was asleep.
Secret Santa
A person who secretly gives another person a gift as part of a Secret Santa exchange.
Mein Wichtel hat mir zu Weihnachten ein Buch geschenkt.
My Secret Santa gave me a book for Christmas.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Wichtel |
| genitive | des Wichtels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Wichtel | die Wichtel |
| accusative | den Wichtel | die Wichtel |
| dative | dem Wichtel | den Wichteln |
| genitive | des Wichtels | der Wichtel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Words such as 'Zauberwald' (enchanted forest), 'Märchen' (fairy tale), and 'Magie' (magic) point to the mythical being. If the context involves a party, drawing names, and anonymous gifts, 'Wichtel' (Secret Santa) refers to a participant.
Im Zauberwald begegnete das Mädchen einem Wichtel.
The girl met an elf in the enchanted forest.
Bei unserer Bürofeier erfährt niemand, wer sein Wichtel ist.
At our office party, no one finds out who their Secret Santa is.
In stories, you will often encounter the phrases 'ein fleißiger Wichtel' (a hardworking elf), 'ein hilfsbereiter Wichtel' (a helpful elf), and 'ein Wichtel treibt Schabernack' (an elf plays pranks). The last phrase describes the being's playful tricks.
Der kleine Wichtel trieb Schabernack und versteckte die Schuhe der Kinder.
The little elf played pranks and hid the children's shoes.
You use 'mein Wichtel' (my Secret Santa) to refer to the person who gives you a gift, even if you do not yet know their name. Similarly, 'dein Wichtel' (your Secret Santa) refers to the person who gives you a gift.
Mein Wichtel hat meinen Geschmack gut getroffen; hat dir dein Wichtel auch etwas Schönes geschenkt?
My Secret Santa got my taste just right; did your Secret Santa give you something nice too?
