das  Weihnachtsgeschäft

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɪ̯nax(t)sɡəˌʃɛft/

🛒 What exactly is 'das Weihnachtsgeschäft'?

Das Weihnachtsgeschäft refers to the highest-turnover period of the year for the retail sector, typically the weeks before Christmas, starting around November and lasting until December 24th. It encompasses the sale of gifts, decorations, food, and other goods traditionally associated with the Christmas festival (Weihnachtsfest).

It's a crucial period 📈 for many businesses, whose annual revenue significantly depends on the success of this time.

⚠️ It's an established term for this specific trading season.

🧐 Grammar: The Article and Cases

The word "Weihnachtsgeschäft" is neuter. The article is das. It's a compound noun formed from "Weihnachten" (Christmas, a plural word used here in the genitive form "Weihnachts-" as a determinant) and "das Geschäft" (business, trade, shop). The gender follows the base word "Geschäft", which is neuter.

Since it refers to a specific period or concept, it is mostly used in the singular.

Declension Singular

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Das Weihnachtsgeschäft beginnt oft schon im Oktober. (The Christmas shopping season often starts as early as October.)
• Genitive: Der Erfolg des Weihnachtsgeschäftes ist für viele Händler entscheidend. (The success of the Christmas business is crucial for many retailers.)
• Dative: Die Einzelhändler blicken gespannt dem Weihnachtsgeschäft entgegen. (Retailers are eagerly anticipating the Christmas business.)
• Accusative: Viele Menschen erledigen das Weihnachtsgeschäft online. (Many people do their Christmas shopping online.)

💡 Everyday Usage of 'das Weihnachtsgeschäft'

"Das Weihnachtsgeschäft" is mainly used in an economic context when discussing sales figures, retail trends, or consumer behaviour during the pre-Christmas period. You'll often find the term in news reports, economic analyses, and marketing materials.

• Typical Phrases: "Das Weihnachtsgeschäft ankurbeln" (to boost Christmas business), "ein starkes/schwaches Weihnachtsgeschäft erwarten" (to expect strong/weak Christmas trade), "vom Weihnachtsgeschäft profitieren" (to profit from the Christmas business).
• Context: Economic news, discussions about retail trends, companies' annual reviews.
• Distinction: It's not the same as a single shop selling Christmas items (that would more likely be a "Weihnachtsladen" or part of the product range/"Sortiment"). Instead, it refers to the entire retail activity of this season. It also differs from the "Weihnachtsmarkt" (Christmas market), which is a specific type of event.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: The base word is "das Geschäft". Think: Das Geschäft (the business) is booming at Christmas time. So: das Weihnachtsgeschäft.

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine how the Geschäfte (shops/businesses) boom around Weihnachten (Christmas). It's the big business associated with Christmas. Weihnachten + Geschäft = Weihnachtsgeschäft.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Christmas Business

⚠️ Similar, but different terms:

• Weihnachtsmarkt: (Christmas market) A temporary market with stalls, often outdoors, offering Christmas goods and food. Das Weihnachtsgeschäft refers to the overall retail turnover during this period.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Mitarbeiter: "Na, wie läuft das Weihnachtsgeschäft?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Super! Die Kunden kommen rein, schauen sich um und gehen wieder raus. Wenigstens bekommen wir viel frische Luft!" 🌬️

Translation:
The boss asks the employee: "So, how's the Christmas business going?"
The employee replies: "Great! Customers come in, look around, and leave again. At least we're getting plenty of fresh air!"

✍️ A Little Poem

Die Kassen klingeln, hell und laut,
weil jeder Mensch Geschenke kauft.
Die Läden voll, die Straßen bunt,
das Weihnachtsgeschäft macht seine Rund'.
Von früh bis spät, ein reges Treiben,
die Händler sich die Hände reiben. 💸
Stressig zwar, doch voller Glanz,
der jährliche Konsum-Extravaganz.

Translation:
The tills are ringing, bright and loud,
'cause everyone buys gifts in the crowd.
Shops are full, streets colourful and vast,
the Christmas business makes its round, fast.
From dawn till dusk, a busy spree,
the merchants rub their hands with glee. 💸
Stressful indeed, yet full of gleam,
the annual consumer dream (or extravagance).

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich komm' im Winter, kurz vor dem Fest,
und geb' dem Handel den vollen Rest.
Die Kassen füll' ich, die Lager leer',
für viele bin ich des Jahres Ehr'.

Was bin ich?

Solution: Das Weihnachtsgeschäft

Translation:
I come in winter, just before the feast,
and give retail the very best (or 'the full remainder').
I fill the tills, empty the stores high,
for many, I'm the honour of the year passing by.

What am I?

Solution: The Christmas business (das Weihnachtsgeschäft)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Weihnachtsgeschäft" is composed of:

• Weihnacht(s)-: Derived from "Weihnachten" (Christmas). The "s" is a linking element (Fugen-s) often used in German compound words.
• Geschäft: Here means trade, business, economic activity (from the verb "schaffen" - to create, to manage).

Trivia:

• The day with the highest turnover in the Weihnachtsgeschäft is often the last Saturday before Christmas Eve.
• Online retail (der Online-Handel) plays an increasingly significant role in the Weihnachtsgeschäft.