das  Weihnachtsgeld

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɪ̯nax(t)sˌɡɛlt/

💰 What exactly is das Weihnachtsgeld?

Das Weihnachtsgeld is a special payment (Sonderzahlung) that many employees in Germany receive in addition to their regular salary or wage during the pre-Christmas period (usually in November or December). It's a form of gratuity (Gratifikation) or a bonus, often regulated in the employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag), collective agreement (Tarifvertrag), or a works agreement (Betriebsvereinbarung). However, there is no statutory entitlement to it, unless it arises from these agreements or from a so-called 'company practice' (betriebliche Übung) (e.g., if the employer has paid it for three consecutive years without reservation).

It often serves to cover the additional expenses during the Christmas season (gifts, travel, festive meals) or as recognition for the work performed during the year.

⚠️ Attention: Das Weihnachtsgeld is not the same as the 13. Monatsgehalt (13th month's salary), although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The 13. Monatsgehalt is usually a fixed component of the salary, whereas das Weihnachtsgeld is more likely to be a voluntary benefit or a gratuity with a mixed character.

🧐 Grammar: The Article and Declension

The word "Weihnachtsgeld" is neuter. The article is das.

It's a compound noun formed from die Weihnachten (plural, Christmas) and das Geld (singular, neuter, money). The grammatical gender is determined by the base word Geld.

"Weihnachtsgeld" is mostly used as an uncountable noun in the singular.

Declension (Singular)

The plural "die Weihnachtsgelder" is rare but can be used when referring to multiple individual payments or Christmas bonus budgets of different people or companies.

Example Sentences

1. Viele Arbeitnehmer freuen sich auf das Weihnachtsgeld.
   (Many employees look forward to the Christmas bonus.)
2. Die Höhe des Weihnachtsgeldes variiert je nach Branche und Betrieb.
   (The amount of the Christmas bonus varies depending on the industry and company.)
3. Mit dem Weihnachtsgeld kann man schöne Geschenke kaufen.
   (With the Christmas bonus, one can buy nice gifts.)
4. Hast du dein Weihnachtsgeld schon erhalten?
   (Have you received your Christmas bonus yet?)

💡 How das Weihnachtsgeld is Used

Context: The word "Weihnachtsgeld" is almost exclusively used in the context of work and finance (Arbeit und Finanzen), especially towards the end of the year.

• Typical topics of conversation: Whether one receives Weihnachtsgeld, how much it is, what one wants to spend it on, whether it is taxable.
• Comparison: It's a more specific form of a Bonus or Gratifikation. While a bonus can also be performance-related or paid at other times, das Weihnachtsgeld is clearly linked to the Christmas season. Das Urlaubsgeld (holiday pay/bonus) is a similar special payment, but usually paid in the summer.
• Importance: For many people, das Weihnachtsgeld is an important part of their annual income and firmly integrated into their budget planning.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (das): Think of das Geld (the money). Weihnachtsgeld is a type of money, and Geld is neuter (das). Therefore: das Weihnachtsgeld.

For the meaning: Imagine a Christmas tree (Weihnacht-) with a bag full of Geld (money) underneath. That's the gift from the boss – das Weihnachtsgeld!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Risk of confusion: Don't confuse it with Urlaubsgeld (payment usually in summer) or purely Sachleistungen (benefits in kind) at Christmas (e.g., gift basket).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, glauben Sie an ein Leben nach dem Tod?"
Mitarbeiter: "Keine Ahnung, Chef, ich bin noch nicht tot."
Chef: "Gut, denn der Mann, dessen Stelle Sie jetzt haben, ist gestern gestorben und wollte heute sein Weihnachtsgeld abholen."

Translation:
The boss asks his new employee: "Tell me, do you believe in life after death?"
Employee: "No idea, boss, I'm not dead yet."
Boss: "Good, because the man whose job you now have died yesterday and wanted to pick up his Christmas bonus today."

✍️ Poem about the Christmas Bonus

Die Arbeit war oft schwer und lang,
das Jahr, es hatte seinen Gang.
Doch kurz vor Glockenklang und Fest,
gibt's einen Bonus, der hoffen lässt.

Das Weihnachtsgeld, willkommen sehr,
macht Herzen froh und Konten mehr.
Für Träume klein und Wünsche groß,
im Portemonnaie ist wieder was los!

Translation:
The work was often hard and long,
The year, it went along.
But just before the bells and feast,
There's a bonus, hope increased.

The Christmas cash, welcome indeed,
Makes hearts happy and accounts exceed.
For dreams small and wishes grand,
There's money again in hand!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme einmal nur im Jahr,
bin auf dem Konto plötzlich da.
Nicht Gehalt, doch trotzdem Geld,
passend zur Weihnachtszeit bestellt.
Mal groß, mal klein, mal gar nicht hier,
was bin ich wohl, sag es mir!

Solution: Das Weihnachtsgeld

Translation:
I only come once a year,
Suddenly on the account, I appear.
Not salary, but still money bright,
Ordered just in time for Christmas light.
Sometimes big, sometimes small, sometimes not near,
What am I, tell me, my dear!

Solution: The Christmas bonus

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition:

Das Weihnachtsgeld is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of:

• Weihnachten: Christmas, the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25th and 26th. This determinant word indicates the occasion or timing.
• Geld: Money, the medium of exchange. This is the base word and determines the article (das Geld -> das Weihnachtsgeld).

Cultural Context:

In Germany, das Weihnachtsgeld has a long tradition and is an integral part of the pre-Christmas period and work culture for many. It is often seen as a sign of appreciation from the employer and contributes to the festive mood.