das
Urlaubsziel
🏖️ What does "das Urlaubsziel" mean?
Das Urlaubsziel (noun, neuter) refers to a place, region, or country where someone travels for recreation, pleasure, or relaxation – in other words, where they spend their Urlaub (vacation).
It's the destination of a holiday trip. This could be a city, an island, a mountain range, or even an entire country.
Example: Mallorca ist ein beliebtes Urlaubsziel für viele Deutsche. (Mallorca is a popular vacation destination for many Germans.)
Since the word is used with "das", there's no ambiguity caused by different articles.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Urlaubsziel
The word "Urlaubsziel" is a noun and it's neuter. The article is "das". It follows the strong declension pattern.
Singular Declension
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das Urlaubsziel | ein Urlaubsziel | the/a vacation destination |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Urlaubsziel(e)s | eines Urlaubsziel(e)s | of the/a vacation destination |
| Dative (To/For Whom?) | dem Urlaubsziel(e) | einem Urlaubsziel(e) | to/for the/a vacation destination |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das Urlaubsziel | ein Urlaubsziel | the/a vacation destination |
Plural Declension
| Case | Definite Article | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | die Urlaubsziele | the vacation destinations |
| Genitive (Whose?) | der Urlaubsziele | of the vacation destinations |
| Dative (To/For Whom?) | den Urlaubszielen | to/for the vacation destinations |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | die Urlaubsziele | the vacation destinations |
📝 Example Sentences
- Wir suchen noch nach einem passenden Urlaubsziel für den Sommer. (We are still looking for a suitable vacation destination for the summer.)
- Italien bietet viele wunderschöne Urlaubsziele. (Italy offers many beautiful vacation destinations.)
- Die Wahl des Urlaubsziels fiel uns dieses Jahr schwer. (Choosing the vacation destination was difficult for us this year.)
- An unserem Urlaubsziel angekommen, entspannten wir sofort. (Having arrived at our vacation destination, we relaxed immediately.)
🗺️ How to use "Urlaubsziel"?
"Urlaubsziel" is primarily used in the context of Reisen und Tourismus (travel and tourism). You talk about it when:
- Making holiday plans: "Was ist euer Urlaubsziel dieses Jahr?" (What's your vacation destination this year?)
- Describing or recommending travel destinations: "Die Malediven sind ein traumhaftes Urlaubsziel für Paare." (The Maldives are a dream vacation destination for couples.)
- Reporting on past trips: "Unser letztes Urlaubsziel war Norwegen." (Our last vacation destination was Norway.)
- Analyzing travel trends: "Nachhaltige Urlaubsziele werden immer beliebter." (Sustainable vacation destinations are becoming increasingly popular.)
It's a very common and neutral word. Alternatives like "Reiseziel" can also be used for business trips, while "Urlaubsziel" clearly targets leisure travel. "Ferienort" (holiday resort/town) often emphasizes the local character of the destination.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Ziel (the goal, the target, the destination). An Urlaubsziel is the Ziel (destination) of your Urlaub (vacation). Since "Ziel" is neuter (das Ziel), "Urlaubsziel" is also neuter (das Urlaubsziel).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine packing your bags for your Urlaub (vacation) and having a clear Ziel (destination) in mind – the beach, the mountains, a city. The place you're traveling to is your Urlaubs-Ziel.
↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Das Urlaubsziel
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Das Reiseziel: More general term, can include business trips.
- Der Ferienort: Often emphasizes a specific place (town, village) for holidays.
- Die Destination: Modern term, often used in marketing (from English/French).
- Der Urlaubsort: Similar to Ferienort.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Der Heimatort: Hometown, place of origin.
- Das Zuhause: Home (one's own house or apartment).
- Der Arbeitsplatz: Workplace (opposite of relaxation).
- Der Abfahrtsort / Der Ausgangspunkt: Place of departure / starting point.
⚠️ Similar but different words:
Das Urlaubsgeld: Vacation pay or money spent on vacation.
Die Urlaubszeit: Vacation time, the period when one is on vacation.
😂 A little joke
German: Fragt der Reisebüroangestellte: "Haben Sie schon ein Urlaubsziel ins Auge gefasst?"
Kunde: "Ja, die Weltkarte! Jetzt muss ich nur noch kleiner zielen..."
English Translation: The travel agent asks: "Have you already set your sights on a vacation destination?"
Customer: "Yes, the world map! Now I just need to aim smaller..."
📜 Poem about the Urlaubsziel
German:
Die Koffer sind gepackt, die Seele bereit,
für eine andre, schöne Zeit.
Wohin die Reise führt, ist noch die Frag',
an einen sonnigen, fernen Tag?
Das Urlaubsziel, ein Name, ein Klang,
vertreibt den Alltag, den alten Zwang.
Ob Berge, Meer, ob Stadt, ob Land,
Hauptsache weg, an einen neuen Strand.
English Translation:
The suitcases are packed, the soul is ready,
for another, beautiful time, steady.
Where the journey leads, is still the question,
to a sunny, distant day's suggestion?
The vacation destination, a name, a sound,
banishes routine, the old ties unbound.
Whether mountains, sea, or city, or land,
The main thing is away, to a new strand.
❓ Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin ein Ort, fern oder nah,
wo du entspannst, das ist doch klar.
Du reist zu mir, wenn Arbeit ruht,
für Sonne, Spaß und neue Glut.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am a place, far or near,
where you relax, that much is clear.
You travel to me when work rests,
for sun, fun, and renewed zests.
What am I?
Solution: Das Urlaubsziel (The vacation destination)
✨ More Tidbits
Word Composition
The word "Urlaubsziel" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:
- Der Urlaub: Vacation, holiday (time off work).
- Das "s": A linking element (Fugen-s) connecting the parts.
- Das Ziel: The goal, target, or destination.
So, it literally means "the goal/destination of the vacation".
Trends
The choice of Urlaubsziele is subject to fashions and trends. Currently, sustainable destinations and domestic travel (Staycation) are gaining importance.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Urlaubsziel?
The word "Urlaubsziel" is a neuter noun. The correct article is always das: das Urlaubsziel (singular) and die Urlaubsziele (plural).