das
Weihnachtsgeschenk
🎁 What exactly is a Weihnachtsgeschenk?
A Weihnachtsgeschenk (noun, neuter) refers to a gift or present given specifically for the occasion of Christmas. It's a compound word formed from „Weihnachten“ (Christmas) and „Geschenk“ (gift/present).
Since the base word „Geschenk“ is neuter (das Geschenk), „Weihnachtsgeschenk“ is also neuter: das Weihnachtsgeschenk.
There are no different meanings associated with different articles, as only „das“ is correct.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of Weihnachtsgeschenk
The word „Weihnachtsgeschenk“ is neuter. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das | Weihnachtsgeschenk |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das | Weihnachtsgeschenk |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Weihnachtsgeschenk |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Weihnachtsgeschenks / Weihnachtsgeschenkes |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Weihnachtsgeschenke |
| Accusative | die | Weihnachtsgeschenke |
| Dative | den | Weihnachtsgeschenken |
| Genitive | der | Weihnachtsgeschenke |
Example Sentences
- Das Kind freute sich riesig über das Weihnachtsgeschenk. (The child was overjoyed about the Christmas present.)
- Ich habe das Weihnachtsgeschenk schon verpackt. (I have already wrapped the Christmas present.)
- Mit dem Weihnachtsgeschenk habe ich genau ihren Geschmack getroffen. (With the Christmas present, I matched her taste exactly.)
- Der Wert des Weihnachtsgeschenks ist nicht das Wichtigste. (The value of the Christmas present is not the most important thing.)
- Unter dem Baum lagen viele bunte Weihnachtsgeschenke. (There were many colorful Christmas presents under the tree.)
- Sie verteilte die Weihnachtsgeschenke an alle Anwesenden. (She distributed the Christmas presents to everyone present.)
- Die Kinder spielten mit den neuen Weihnachtsgeschenken. (The children played with the new Christmas presents.)
- Der Anblick der Weihnachtsgeschenke ließ die Augen leuchten. (The sight of the Christmas presents made their eyes light up.)
💡 How to use „Weihnachtsgeschenk“?
The term das Weihnachtsgeschenk is used exclusively in the context of Christmas. It differs from general terms like:
- Das Geschenk: A general term for a gift for any occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.).
- Das Präsent: A slightly more formal word for gift.
- Die Gabe: Can be a gift, but often used in the sense of a donation or a natural talent.
So, a Weihnachtsgeschenk is a specific type of Geschenk. Common phrases include „Weihnachtsgeschenke kaufen“ (to buy Christmas presents), „Weihnachtsgeschenke auspacken“ (to unwrap Christmas presents), or „sich über Weihnachtsgeschenke freuen“ (to be happy about Christmas presents). It's a central part of many Christmas traditions worldwide.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article: Think of the base word: It's das Geschenk. This stays the same even with „Weihnacht“ in front. Like a small, neutral package – das Päckchen (the little package), das Geschenk, das Weihnachtsgeschenk.
Remembering the Meaning: Imagine the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree) with Geschenke (presents) underneath. The word directly links the occasion (Weihnachten) with the object (Geschenk) – a gift for Christmas.
🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms, and Similar Words
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Weihnachtsgabe: Very similar, perhaps slightly more old-fashioned or formal.
- Das Christgeschenk: Also synonymous, emphasizing the Christian origin of the festival.
Similar, but not identical words:
- Das Geschenk: General term for gift.
- Das Mitbringsel: A small gift brought when visiting someone (souvenir/small present).
- Die Aufmerksamkeit: A small gesture or gift as a sign of appreciation (token of appreciation).
- Das Geburtstagsgeschenk: Birthday present.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Weihnachtsmann seinen Gehilfen: „Warum sind die Rentiere dieses Jahr so nervös beim Geschenkeaustragen?“
Antwortet der Gehilfe: „Naja, bei den Benzinpreisen überlegen sie, ob sie nicht lieber ihre eigenen Weihnachtsgeschenke verkaufen sollten!“ 🦌💨
(Santa Claus asks his helper: "Why are the reindeer so nervous delivering presents this year?"
The helper replies: "Well, with these gas prices, they're considering selling their own Christmas presents instead!")
📜 A Poem about the Weihnachtsgeschenk
Das Weihnachtsgeschenk
Bunt verpackt, mit Schleife dran,
liegt es still unterm Tannenbaum.
Ein kleines Stück vom Glücksplan,
ein wahr geword'ner Kindheitstraum.
Ist's groß, ist's klein, ist's schwer, ist's leicht?
Die Spannung steigt, das Herz pocht schnell.
Was drin wohl steckt, das man erreicht,
wenn's Papier fällt, hell und grell?
Mehr als nur Ding, aus Kaufhaus-Regal,
ist's Liebe, die man geben mag.
Das schönste Geschenk, allemal,
an diesem heil'gen Weihnachtstag.
(Translation: The Christmas Present)
Wrapped in color, with a ribbon tied,
it lies beneath the fir tree's shade.
A little piece of fortune's guide,
a childhood dream that's truly made.
Is it big, is it small, heavy or light?
Anticipation grows, the heart beats fast.
What lies within, brought to the light,
when paper falls, vivid and vast?
More than just a thing, from a store shelf bought,
it's love that one desires to give.
The greatest gift, beyond all thought,
on this most holy Christmas eve.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme nur einmal im Jahr,
bin oft geheimnisvoll, das ist klar.
Unter dem Baum lieg' ich bereit,
zur schönsten, stillen Winterzeit.
Mal groß, mal klein, mit Band geschmückt,
werde ich freudig ausgezückt.
Was bin ich?
(I come only once a year,
I'm often mysterious, that is clear.
Under the tree, I lie in wait,
during the loveliest, quiet winter state.
Sometimes big, sometimes small, adorned with a bow,
I am unwrapped with a joyful glow.
What am I?)
(Solution: Das Weihnachtsgeschenk / The Christmas present)
ℹ️ Trivia and Composition
Word Composition:
The word „Weihnachtsgeschenk“ is a classic example of a German compound noun (Kompositum):
- Die Weihnachten (plural): Christmas, the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ. In compounds, the genitive-like form „Weihnachts-“ is often used.
- Das Geschenk: A gift, a present.
Together, the meaning is: A gift specifically given at Christmas.
Cultural Significance: Exchanging Weihnachtsgeschenke is a widespread custom in many cultures, often associated with figures like Santa Claus (der Weihnachtsmann), the Christ Child (das Christkind), or the Three Wise Men (die Heiligen Drei Könige). It symbolizes charity, appreciation, and the joy of giving and receiving.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Weihnachtsgeschenk?
The correct form is always das Weihnachtsgeschenk (neuter), because the article follows the base word das Geschenk. The plural is die Weihnachtsgeschenke.