der
Ostersonntag
🐣 What does 'der Ostersonntag' mean?
The German word der Ostersonntag translates to Easter Sunday. It's the most important day of the Christian Ostern (Easter) festival. On this Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which, according to the New Testament, is said to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion.
While it's the main day of Easter, it's only a public holiday in the state of Brandenburg, not nationwide in Germany (unlike Easter Monday). Ostersonntag always falls on the Sunday following the first full moon of spring.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar and Declension of Ostersonntag
The noun Ostersonntag is masculine, so you use the article der. It's a compound noun formed from Ostern (Easter) and Sonntag (Sunday).
As it refers to a specific day, it's mostly used in the singular. The plural (die Ostersonntage) is rare and refers to the Easter Sundays of multiple years.
Declension Singular
Here's how 'der Ostersonntag' changes in the singular depending on the grammatical case:| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Ostersonntag | ein Ostersonntag |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Ostersonntags / Ostersonntages | eines Ostersonntags / Ostersonntages |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Ostersonntag(e) | einem Ostersonntag(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Ostersonntag | einen Ostersonntag |
Declension Plural (Rare)
The plural form 'die Ostersonntage' is declined as follows:| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Ostersonntage |
| Genitive | der Ostersonntage |
| Dative | den Ostersonntagen |
| Accusative | die Ostersonntage |
📝 Example Sentences
- Wir besuchen die Großeltern am Ostersonntag.
(We visit the grandparents on Easter Sunday.) - Der Gottesdienst am Ostersonntag war sehr feierlich.
(The church service on Easter Sunday was very solemn.) - Freust du dich schon auf den Ostersonntag?
(Are you looking forward to Easter Sunday?) - Die Kinder suchen am Morgen des Ostersonntags nach Ostereiern.
(The children search for Easter eggs on the morning of Easter Sunday.)
🗓️ How is 'Ostersonntag' used?
The term Ostersonntag is mainly used in the context of the Easter festival:
- Temporal Context: To name the specific Sunday when Easter is celebrated ("Am Ostersonntag treffen wir uns." - We'll meet on Easter Sunday).
- Religious Context: In reference to church services and the theological significance of the resurrection.
- Cultural Context: In connection with customs like Ostereiersuche (Easter egg hunt), eating the Osterlamm (Easter lamb), or family gatherings.
Important Note: Ostern (Easter) itself is neuter (das Ostern), but usually used without an article ("Frohe Ostern!" - Happy Easter!). However, the specific day is masculine: der Ostersonntag.
Don't confuse Ostersonntag with Ostermontag (Easter Monday), the following Monday, which is a public holiday throughout Germany.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Tag (the day). Easter has several important days, but the main Sunday is specifically 'the day' of Easter celebration: der Ostersonntag.
Meaning Mnemonic: Ostern (Easter) + Sonntag (Sunday) = The Sunday when the Easter festival culminates. Think of the sun (Sonne) in Sonntag shining brightly for the resurrection.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Auferstehungstag (Resurrection Day - emphasizes the religious aspect)
- Osterfesttag (Easter Feast Day - more general, but often used for Easter Sunday)
Antonyms/Contrasts (within the Easter context)
- Karfreitag (Good Friday - Day of the crucifixion, solemn)
- Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday - Beginning of Lent)
Related Terms
- Ostern (Easter - the festival as a whole)
- Ostermontag (Easter Monday)
- Osterwoche (Easter week)
- Osterferien (Easter holidays/break from school)
😂 A Little Easter Joke
German: Treffen sich zwei Ostereier. Sagt das eine: "Du, ich habe gehört, wir werden am Ostersonntag bunt angemalt!" Antwortet das andere: "Ach du Schreck, ich bin doch ganz Dotter-gelb vor Neid!"
English Translation: Two Easter eggs meet. One says: "Hey, I heard we're going to be painted colorfully on Easter Sunday!" The other replies: "Oh dear, I'm completely yolk-yellow with envy!" (A pun on "blass vor Neid" - pale with envy, using "Dotter-gelb" - yolk-yellow).
✒️ Poem for Easter Sunday
German:
Am Ostersonntag, früh am Morgen,
vertreibt die Sonne alle Sorgen.
Der Hase hoppelt, bunt und fein,
versteckt die Eier im Sonnenschein.
Ein Fest der Freude, hell und klar,
Auferstehung wunderbar!
English Translation:
On Easter Sunday, early morn,
The sun dispels all cares forlorn.
The bunny hops, colorful and neat,
Hides eggs in sunshine, oh so sweet.
A feast of joy, bright and clear,
Resurrection, wonderfully here!
❓ Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin ein Tag im Frühlingslicht,
an dem man frohe Lieder spricht.
Nach Trauer kommt die größte Freud',
gefeiert von den Christen heut'.
Der Hase bringt, was bunt gefällt,
an diesem Tag der ganzen Welt.
Welcher Tag bin ich?
English Translation:
I am a day in springtime's light,
When joyful songs are spoken bright.
After sorrow comes the greatest joy,
Celebrated by Christians today, employ.
The bunny brings what's colorfully found,
On this day, the whole world round.
What day am I?
Solution: Der Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Composition: The word Ostersonntag is a determinative compound noun. The base word is Sonntag (Sunday), and the determinant Ostern (Easter) specifies which Sunday it is.
Cultural Significance: Besides its religious importance, Ostersonntag is a significant family day in Germany. Traditions like a shared Easter breakfast or lunch (Osterfrühstück / Mittagessen), the Easter egg hunt (Ostereiersuche) in the garden, and giving small Easter gifts are widespread. Common symbols include the Osterhase (Easter bunny) and Ostereier (Easter eggs).
Date: The date of Ostersonntag is variable (a moveable feast) and also determines the dates of other moveable holidays like Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension Day) and Pfingsten (Pentecost/Whitsun).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ostersonntag?
The word "Ostersonntag" is masculine. The correct article is der Ostersonntag. It refers to the central holiday of the Christian Easter festival, Easter Sunday.