der  Nikolaus

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnikoˌlaʊ̯s/

🎅 What does 'der Nikolaus' mean?

Der Nikolaus primarily refers to two closely related concepts:

1. Saint Nicholas of Myra: A historical bishop from the 4th century known for his generosity and miracles. He is an important saint in many Christian denominations. His feast day is December 6th.
2. The folkloric figure: Based on Saint Nicholas, this is the figure who, in many European countries, visits children on the evening of December 5th or the morning of December 6th and leaves small gifts or sweets in their shoes or stockings (if they have been good). He is often depicted as a bishop with a mitre and staff.

🚨 Important Note: In Germany and some other countries, *der Nikolaus* is not identical to *der Weihnachtsmann* (Santa Claus), although both figures are gift-givers and trace back to Saint Nicholas. *Der Nikolaus* comes on December 6th, while *der Weihnachtsmann* comes on Christmas Eve (December 24th).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Nikolaus

Der Nikolaus is a masculine proper noun. It is usually used without an article when referring to the person, but with the article *'der'* when emphasizing the figure or the custom.

Declension (Singular)

ℹ️ The plural (*'die Nikoläuse'*) is rarely used, mostly humorously or when referring to multiple representations of the figure (e.g., chocolate Nikoläuse).

Example Sentences

• Wann kommt der Nikolaus dieses Jahr?
  (When is Nicholas coming this year?)
• Die Kinder stellen ihre geputzten Schuhe für den Nikolaus vor die Tür.
  (The children put their cleaned shoes outside the door for Nicholas.)
• Nikolaus war ein Bischof in Myra.
  (Nicholas was a bishop in Myra.)
• Ich habe einen Schokoladen-Nikolaus bekommen.
  (I received a chocolate Nicholas.)

👟 Everyday Usage: Nikolaus

The term *'Nikolaus'* is almost exclusively used in the context of Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day, December 6th) and the associated customs.

• People talk about *"der Nikolaus kommt"* (Nicholas is coming).
• Children receive *"etwas vom Nikolaus"* (something from Nicholas).
• Figures (often made of chocolate) are referred to as *"Nikolaus"* or *"Nikoläuse"*.
• In some regions, there are *Nikolaus* parades or visits from people dressed as *Nikolaus* to kindergartens or schools.

Compared to der Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus), who brings gifts on Christmas Eve, *der Nikolaus* is a more specific figure associated with December 6th and often perceived as more serious or at least less commercialized.

🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization

Article Mnemonic: Remember: *Der Nikolaus* is der heilige Mann (the holy man), der Bischof (the bishop). The words *'Mann'* and *'Bischof'* are masculine, just like der Nikolaus.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine children laustening 👂 on the evening of Dec 5th to hear if Nikolaus is coming. The *'laus'* in *Nikolaus* sounds a bit like the English 'listen' (or the German *lauschen*).

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Confusions

Similar but Different Terms

• Weihnachtsmann: Brings gifts on Dec 24th/25th, often depicted as a chubby man in a red suit (a commercialized figure also derived from St. Nicholas, but looks different and comes at a different time).
• Christkind: (Christ child) Especially in Southern Germany and Austria, the figure who brings Christmas presents.

😄 A Little Nikolaus Joke

German: Fragt ein Kind das andere: "Glaubst du an den Nikolaus?" Sagt das andere Kind: "Nein, aber mein kleiner Bruder schon. Ich lasse mir von ihm immer die Schokolade geben, damit er nicht enttäuscht ist, wenn der Nikolaus nichts bringt."

English Translation: One child asks another: "Do you believe in Saint Nicholas?" The other child says: "No, but my little brother does. I always let him give me the chocolate so he won't be disappointed if Saint Nicholas doesn't bring anything."

📜 A Classic Verse

German:
Niklaus, Niklaus, lieber Mann,
Klopf an unsre Türe an!
Wir sind brav, drum bitte schön,
Lass uns nicht zu lange stehn!

English Translation (approximate):
Nicholas, Nicholas, dear man,
Knock upon our door then!
We are good, so please kind sir,
Don't leave us standing long out here!

(Traditional children's verse)

❓ Nikolaus Riddle

German:
Ich komm' im Winter, doch nicht zum Fest,
wenn's draußen kalt ist, geb' ich mein Best'.
Mit Stab und Mitra zieh' ich durchs Land,
füll' Stiefel mit Gaben, wohlbekannt.
Am sechsten Dezember ist meine Zeit.
Wer bin ich, bereit für die Kinder heut?

English Translation:
I come in winter, but not for the feast,
When it's cold outside, I do my best.
With staff and mitre, I roam the land,
Filling boots with gifts, close at hand.
December sixth is my time so bright.
Who am I, ready for children tonight?

Answer: Der Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

• Origin of the Name: *Nikolaus* comes from Greek (*Nikólaos*) and means “victory of the people” (*níkē* = victory, *laós* = people).
• Patron Saint: Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of many groups, including sailors, merchants, bakers, pharmacists, and children.
• Date: December 6th is the date of his death (around 343 AD) and thus became his feast day.
• International: The figure of *Nikolaus* and similar traditions exist in many countries, e.g., as *Sinterklaas* in the Netherlands and Belgium, *Saint Nicolas* in France.