der
Ostermontag
🐣 What does 'der Ostermontag' mean?
Der Ostermontag is the German word for Easter Monday, the Monday immediately following Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag). It is part of the Christian Easter celebration, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In many countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, der Ostermontag is a public holiday (gesetzlicher Feiertag). It's considered the second day of Easter celebrations.
🚨 Since it refers to a specific day, it always uses the masculine article der.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Ostermontag
The noun 'Ostermontag' is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Ostermontag | (The Easter Monday) |
| Genitive | des | Ostermontags / Ostermontages | (Of the Easter Monday) |
| Dative | dem | Ostermontag | (To/for the Easter Monday) |
| Accusative | den | Ostermontag | (The Easter Monday) |
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ostermontage | (The Easter Mondays) |
| Genitive | der | Ostermontage | (Of the Easter Mondays) |
| Dative | den | Ostermontagen | (To/for the Easter Mondays) |
| Accusative | die | Ostermontage | (The Easter Mondays) |
Note: The plural form 'die Ostermontage' is rarely used, as it usually refers to a specific day each year.
Example Sentences
- Am Ostermontag machen viele Familien einen Ausflug.
(On Easter Monday, many families go on an outing.) - Ist der Ostermontag in allen Bundesländern ein Feiertag?
(Is Easter Monday a public holiday in all federal states?) - Wir freuen uns auf den Ostermontag, weil wir dann frei haben.
(We look forward to Easter Monday because we have the day off.)
🗓️ How and When to Use 'Ostermontag'
Der Ostermontag is used to refer to the specific Monday after Easter Sunday.
- As a date reference: "Das Treffen findet am Ostermontag statt." (The meeting takes place on Easter Monday.)
- In the context of holidays: "Ostermontag ist ein gesetzlicher Feiertag." (Easter Monday is a public holiday.)
- In religious contexts: Referring to the biblical events after the resurrection (Walk to Emmaus).
In general usage, the term is unambiguous and always refers to this particular day in the Easter cycle.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article: Ostermontag ends in -tag (day). In German, 'der Tag' is masculine. So, remember: der Tag -> der Ostermontag.
Meaning: Break it down: Ostern (Easter) + Montag (Monday) = The Monday after Easter. Simple!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Zweiter Osterfeiertag (Second Easter Holiday)
- Zweiter Ostertag (Second Easter Day)
Related Terms
- Ostern: (Easter) The main festival to which Easter Monday belongs.
- Ostersonntag: (Easter Sunday) The day before Easter Monday.
- Karfreitag: (Good Friday) The Friday before Easter.
- Feiertag: (Public Holiday) General term.
😄 A Little Easter Joke
Warum hoppelt der Osterhase am Ostermontag so traurig durch den Wald?
(Why does the Easter Bunny hop so sadly through the forest on Easter Monday?)
... Weil er alle Eier verteilt hat und jetzt Montag ist! 😉
(... Because he's delivered all the eggs and now it's Monday!)
📜 Poem for Easter Monday
Der Sonntag ist vorbei, die Freud' ist groß,
(Sunday is over, the joy is great,)
Der Ostermontag, der fängt famos.
(Easter Monday starts fabulously.)
Ein freier Tag, zum Wandern schön,
(A day off, lovely for hiking,)
Im Frühlingslicht die Welt besehen.
(To see the world in spring light.)
Familie lacht, die Zeit verrinnt,
(Family laughs, time flies,)
Ein schöner Tag, wie er beginnt.
(A beautiful day, as it begins.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich folge auf das Fest der bunten Eier,
(I follow the festival of colorful eggs,)
bin frei für viele, zur Entspannungsfeier.
(am free for many, for a celebration of relaxation.)
Mein Name nennt den Wochentag,
(My name mentions the day of the week,)
an dem man gerne ruhen mag.
(on which people like to rest.)
Wer bin ich? / Who am I?
Lösung / Solution: Der Ostermontag (Easter Monday)
💡 Good to Know: More about 'der Ostermontag'
Word Composition: The word Ostermontag is a compound noun, formed from:
Cultural Significance: In many regions, Easter Monday has its own customs, such as the "Emmausgang" (Walk to Emmaus), an Easter walk remembering the disciples' journey to Emmaus (Gospel of Luke).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ostermontag?
The noun 'Ostermontag' is masculine. The correct article is always der: der Ostermontag. It refers to the Monday after Easter Sunday and is often a public holiday.