das  Ferienhaus

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfeːʁiənˌhaʊs/

🏠 What Exactly is a Ferienhaus?

A Ferienhaus (neuter noun, article: das) is a house specifically used for staying in during Ferien (holidays/vacation). It is often rented out or belongs to people who only live there temporarily.

Unlike a permanent residence (Wohnsitz), it serves the purpose of recreation and leisure. It is typically located in touristically attractive areas such as by the sea (am Meer), in the mountains (in den Bergen), or in the countryside (auf dem Land).

The word is composed of:

• Ferien (plural): holiday(s), vacation
• Haus (neuter): house

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: das Ferienhaus

The word "Ferienhaus" is a neuter noun. Therefore, the correct article is das.

Declension (Deklination)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Wir haben für den Sommer ein schönes Ferienhaus am Meer gemietet.
   (We rented a beautiful holiday home by the sea for the summer.)
2. Die Ausstattung des Ferienhauses war sehr modern.
   (The amenities of the holiday home were very modern.)
3. Im Urlaub wohnten wir in einem gemütlichen Ferienhaus mit Garten.
   (During the holidays, we stayed in a cozy holiday home with a garden.)
4. Viele Familien suchen nach günstigen Ferienhäusern für ihren Urlaub.
   (Many families look for affordable holiday homes for their vacation.)
5. Die Schlüssel für die Ferienhäuser erhalten Sie an der Rezeption.
   (You receive the keys for the holiday homes at the reception.)

🏖️ When to Use Ferienhaus?

The term Ferienhaus is used to describe a building specifically intended for holiday purposes. It usually implies a temporary stay for relaxation.

• Typical Contexts: Travel bookings (Reisebuchungen), holiday planning (Urlaubsplanung), real estate listings for holiday properties (Immobilienanzeigen für Ferienobjekte).
• Distinction from other terms:
  • Wohnhaus: A permanent residence.
  • Wochenendhaus: Similar, but primarily used for weekends, often closer to the main residence.
  • Datsche (often East Germany): A small garden house, often with overnight accommodation, more for hobby gardening and short stays.
  • Ferienwohnung (FeWo): An apartment (part of a larger building) for holidays, not a detached house. Often translated as 'holiday flat' or 'vacation rental apartment'.

A Ferienhaus can vary greatly in size and amenities, from a simple cabin (Hütte) to a luxurious villa (luxuriöse Villa).

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic (das): Remember das Haus (the house). A Ferienhaus is still a type of Haus, which is neuter. So: das Haus -> das Ferienhaus.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine packing your bags for the Ferien (holidays) and driving to a special Haus (house) built just for that purpose. What is it? A Ferien-Haus (holiday house)!

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion?

Sometimes Ferienwohnung (FeWo - holiday apartment/flat) might be confused with Ferienhaus. However, a Wohnung is part of a multi-unit building, while a Haus is usually detached.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum nehmen Skelette kein Ferienhaus? - Sie haben keinen Körper, mit dem sie Urlaub machen könnten! 😄

English: Why don't skeletons rent a holiday home? - They have no body to go on vacation with! 😄

✍️ A Little Poem

German:
Am See, am Meer, im grünen Tal,
steht oft ein Haus, ganz ideal.
Für Urlaubstage, frei und schön,
kann man das Ferienhaus dort sehn.
Man packt die Koffer, fährt geschwind,
Erholung für die Eltern, Spaß fürs Kind.

English Translation:
By lake, by sea, in valley green,
A house stands often, quite serene.
For holidays, so free and bright,
The Ferienhaus is there in sight.
You pack your bags, drive swift and fast,
Rest for parents, fun for kids to last.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Heim, doch nicht für immer,
bin oft bewohnt im Sommerschimmer.
Man mietet mich für eine Zeit,
für Urlaub und Gemütlichkeit.
Was bin ich? → Das Ferienhaus

English Translation:
I am a home, but not forever,
I'm often lived in, in summer weather.
You rent me for a period short,
For holidays and cozy sort.
What am I?
→ The Ferienhaus (holiday home)

🧩 Further Details about Ferienhaus

Word Composition

The word "Ferienhaus" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Ferien (plural): Holidays / vacation time (time off work or school).
• Das Haus: House / building for living in.

Together, it describes a house intended for use during holidays.

Trivia

Ferienhäuser are a very popular type of holiday accommodation in Germany, especially for families and groups. Regions like the North Sea (Nordsee) and Baltic Sea (Ostsee) coasts, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), or Bavaria (Bayern) are known for their wide range of holiday homes.