der
Feierabend
🌅 What does 'der Feierabend' mean?
Der Feierabend generally refers to the end of the daily working hours. It's the point in time when work for the day concludes and leisure time begins. It's more than just the 'end of work'; it implies a well-deserved break, time for oneself, family, or hobbies.
In a broader sense, Feierabend can also describe the state of no longer working on that particular day.
⚠️ There is only one article for Feierabend: 'der'. It is a masculine noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar of Feierabend in Detail
Der Feierabend is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Feierabend |
| Genitive | des | Feierabends |
| Dative | dem | Feierabend |
| Accusative | den | Feierabend |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Feierabende |
| Genitive | der | Feierabende |
| Dative | den | Feierabenden |
| Accusative | die | Feierabende |
Note: The plural 'die Feierabende' is rarely used.
Example Sentences
- Wann machst du heute Feierabend?
(When are you finishing work today?) - Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Feierabend!
(I wish you a nice evening/end of work!) - Nach einem langen Arbeitstag freue ich mich auf den Feierabend.
(After a long workday, I look forward to the end of work/leisure time.) - Wir treffen uns nach Feierabend im Park.
(We'll meet in the park after work.) - Genieß deinen wohlverdienten Feierabend!
(Enjoy your well-deserved time off after work!)
🗣️ How to use 'Feierabend'?
Feierabend is an integral part of daily (work) life in Germany.
- Signaling the time: "Um 17 Uhr ist für mich Feierabend." (My workday ends at 5 PM.)
- Expressing a wish: "Schönen Feierabend!" (Have a nice evening/end of work! - Very common among colleagues)
- Making plans: "Was machst du nach Feierabend?" (What are you doing after work?)
- Ending something (figuratively): "Jetzt ist aber Feierabend mit dem Lärm!" (Alright, that's enough noise now! / Stop the noise!)
- Describing leisure time: "Den Feierabend verbringe ich am liebsten mit meiner Familie." (I prefer spending my time after work with my family.)
Culturally, Feierabend holds significant importance as a clear separation between work and private life, which is often more emphasized in Germany than in other cultures.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of DEAR old dad finally getting off work for his Feierabend. DEAR sounds like DER.
Meaning Mnemonic: After work, it's time for a 'fiery' celebration (Feier) in the evening (Abend). Or, think 'Fire the boss, it's evening!' -> Feierabend (end of work).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Arbeitsende: (Work end) - A neutral term for the end of work.
- Dienstschluss: (Duty close) - More common in civil service or for uniformed personnel.
- Freizeit (nach der Arbeit): (Free time after work) - Emphasizes the leisure time, not the point of finishing.
- Schichtende: (Shift end) - Specific to the end of a work shift.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Arbeitsbeginn: (Work start) - The beginning of the workday.
- Dienstantritt: (Duty start) - The opposite of Dienstschluss.
- Arbeitszeit: (Work time) - The period during which work is performed.
Potential Confusion: Don't confuse Feierabend with Urlaub (vacation/holiday - longer period off) or Wochenende (weekend - the free days at the end of the week).
😂 A Little Joke for Feierabend
German: Fragt der Chef den Mitarbeiter: "Müller, warum gehen Sie schon um vier Uhr? Feierabend ist doch erst um fünf!" Sagt Müller: "Chef, ich nehme das mit dem 'GLEITzeit'-Modell sehr ernst. Heute gleite ich mal früher raus!"
English Translation: The boss asks the employee: "Müller, why are you leaving already at four? Quitting time isn't until five!" Müller replies: "Boss, I take the 'flexitime' (Gleitzeit - literally 'sliding time') model very seriously. Today, I'm sliding out a bit earlier!"
📜 Poem for Feierabend
German:
Die Uhr schlägt fünf, der Stift fällt hin,
die Arbeit aus, ein neuer Sinn.
Der Feierabend, sanft und leis',
beginnt die wohlverdiente Reis'.
Ob Sofa, Sport, ob Freunde, Buch,
das Tagwerk ist nun abgebucht.
Ein Lächeln zieht übers Gesicht,
Willkommen, süßes Freizeitlicht!
English Translation:
The clock strikes five, the pen drops down,
Work is over, a new sense found.
Der Feierabend, soft and low,
A well-earned journey starts to flow.
Be it couch or sport, or friends, or book,
The day's hard work is off the hook.
A smile appears upon the face,
Welcome, sweet light of leisure's grace!
❓ Little Riddle
German:
Ich komme täglich, bin begehrt,
hab' manchen Stress schon abgewehrt.
Ich trenne Pflicht von Freizeit klar,
bin für die meisten wunderbar.
Nach Stunden, die der Job dir nahm,
ruf' ich: "Die Arbeit ist nun gram!"
Was bin ich? Lösung: Der Feierabend
English Translation:
I come each day, desired by all,
I've often stopped stress standing tall.
I separate duty from leisure clear,
To most, I'm wonderfully dear.
After hours the job took away,
I call out: "Work is done for the day!"
What am I? Answer: Der Feierabend
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Composition: Der Feierabend is composed of:
- die Feier: Originally from 'feiern' (to celebrate, to rest). Here in the sense of 'rest', 'cessation of work'.
- der Abend: The evening, the time of day after the afternoon.
Cultural Significance: The concept of Feierabend is deeply ingrained in German work culture, symbolizing the important separation between professional and private life. Ringing in the Feierabend, often with a "Feierabendbier" (after-work beer), is a cherished ritual for many.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Feierabend?
The word "Feierabend" is masculine. The correct article is always der Feierabend (in the nominative singular case). Example: Der Feierabend beginnt um 17 Uhr. (The end of the workday starts at 5 PM.)