das  Weihnachten

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɪ̯nax(t)ən/

🎄 What does 'das Weihnachten' mean?

Das Weihnachten (neuter gender) refers to the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. It's one of the most important Christian holidays and a major cultural celebration period in many countries, especially Germany.

Although dictionaries list das Weihnachten as neuter (sächlich), in everyday language the word is more often used without an article or treated as a plural noun (Pluraletantum - a word only used in plural form, or perceived as plural here) when referring to the entire holiday season (e.g., "Frohe Weihnachten!" - Merry Christmas!, "Wir fahren über Weihnachten weg." - We're going away over Christmas.).

The singular form "das Weihnachten" specifically refers to:

• The actual festival as an event or concept.
• Sometimes used poetically or in older language.

🚨 Caution: The most common form is without an article or treated as plural. Usually say "Ich freue mich auf Weihnachten" (I'm looking forward to Christmas) instead of "Ich freue mich auf das Weihnachten".

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar & Declension of 'das Weihnachten'

The noun "Weihnachten" is neuter (sächlich). It is mostly used without an article or treated like a plural noun. The declension of the neuter singular is as follows, but it's rarely used this way:

Important Note: In the plural, "die Weihnachten" is often used, although technically it's not a true plural (it's a Pluraletantum). Declension then follows standard plural rules but is grammatically debatable and mostly limited to nominative/accusative cases or avoided through paraphrasing.

Example Sentences

• "Weihnachten ist mein Lieblingsfest." (Christmas is my favorite holiday. - Without article, most common)
• "Was wünschst du dir zu Weihnachten?" (What do you wish for Christmas? - Prepositional phrase without article)
• "Wir feiern Weihnachten immer bei meinen Eltern." (We always celebrate Christmas at my parents'. - Without article)
• "Das Weihnachten des letzten Jahres war besonders schön." (Last year's Christmas was particularly beautiful. - Rare use of singular with article to emphasize a specific Christmas)
• "Frohe Weihnachten!" (Merry Christmas! - Set phrase)

💡 How to use 'Weihnachten'?

The usage of "Weihnachten" is highly context-dependent:

• Without an article: This is the most common form in everyday life. It refers to "Weihnachten" as the general holiday or period. Examples: "An Weihnachten gibt es Geschenke." (There are presents at Christmas.), "Vor Weihnachten ist immer viel zu tun." (There's always a lot to do before Christmas.)
• With prepositions: Common combinations include "zu Weihnachten" (for Christmas - for gifts, wishes), "an Weihnachten" (at Christmas - temporal specification for the holidays), "über Weihnachten" (over Christmas - duration of the holidays, e.g., travelling).
• As a perceived plural: In greetings like "Frohe Weihnachten!" (Merry Christmas!) or when talking about the holidays ("Die Weihnachten waren entspannt." - Christmas was relaxing. - colloquial).
• With the article 'das': Rare, usually to emphasize the festival as a specific event or concept, or in formal/older language. "Das Weihnachten von 1990..." (The Christmas of 1990...)

Comparison: Unlike other holidays like Ostern (Easter) or Pfingsten (Pentecost/Whitsun), where using the article is also rare but perhaps slightly more common than with Weihnachten, the use without an article is even more dominant for Christmas.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Weihnachten'

• Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das Fest (the festival/celebration). Christmas is the big festival of love and birth - therefore neuter, like the event itself.

• Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes from "ze wihen nahten" (Middle High German) = "in the consecrated nights". Think of the holy, consecrated nights (geweihten Nächten) surrounding Jesus' birth.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Advent: The four-week preparation period before Christmas.
• Nikolaustag: December 6th, a different but related custom (St. Nicholas Day).

😂 A Little Christmas Joke

DE: Fragt Fritzchen seine Mutter: "Mama, gibt es den Weihnachtsmann wirklich?" Antwortet die Mutter: "Natürlich, mein Schatz. Wer sollte dir sonst die Geschenke bringen?" Fritzchen: "Na, der Paketbote!"

EN Translation: Little Fritz asks his mother: "Mom, does Santa Claus really exist?" The mother replies: "Of course, sweetie. Who else would bring you the presents?" Fritz: "Well, the delivery guy!"

📜 Christmas Poem Snippet

DE:

Markt und Straßen stehn verlassen,
Still erleuchtet jedes Haus,
Sinnend geh' ich durch die Gassen,
Alles sieht so festlich aus.

EN Translation:

Market and streets stand deserted,
Quietly lit is every house,
Pensively I walk through the alleys,
Everything looks so festive.

(Excerpt from "Weihnachten" by Joseph von Eichendorff)

❓ Christmas Riddle

DE:

Ich komme nur einmal im Jahr,
Bringe Lichter, Glanz und Gabenschar.
Familien kommen zusammen, Groß und Klein,
Was mag ich wohl für ein Fest nur sein?

EN Translation:

I only come once a year,
Bringing lights, sparkle, and a host of gifts near.
Families gather, big and small,
What kind of festival might I be, for one and all?

(Solution: Weihnachten / Christmas)

✨ Other Information about Weihnachten

• Etymology: The name "Weihnachten" comes from the Middle High German phrase "ze wihen nahten", meaning "in the consecrated nights". This originally referred to the twelve rough nights (Rauhnächte) between December 25th and January 6th.
• Cultural Significance: In Germany, Christmas is deeply rooted in culture. Customs like the Advent wreath (Adventskranz), Christmas tree (Weihnachtsbaum), Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte), singing Christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder), and giving gifts on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend, Dec 24th) are widespread.
• International: Although celebrated worldwide, customs vary greatly. For example, in English-speaking countries, Santa Claus typically arrives on the morning of December 25th.