der
Pfingstsonntag
⛪ What exactly is der Pfingstsonntag?
Der Pfingstsonntag is an important Christian holiday. It refers to the Sunday of the Pentecost festival, specifically the 50th day after Easter Sunday (counting Easter Sunday itself). On this day, Christians celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples of Jesus, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This event is considered the founding of the Church.
It is a specific day in the liturgical year and is a public holiday in Germany, Austria, and many other countries.
🚨 The term always refers to this specific Sunday and has no other meanings that would require a different article.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar: Der Pfingstsonntag in Detail
The noun "Pfingstsonntag" is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Pfingstsonntag |
| Genitive | des | Pfingstsonntags / Pfingstsonntages |
| Dative | dem | Pfingstsonntag / Pfingstsonntage |
| Accusative | den | Pfingstsonntag |
⚠️ A plural form ("die Pfingstsonntage") theoretically exists but is rarely used, as it refers to a specific day of the year. One might talk about "die Pfingstsonntage der letzten Jahre" (the Whit Sundays of recent years).
Example Sentences
- Am Pfingstsonntag gehen viele Familien in die Kirche. (On Whit Sunday, many families go to church.)
- Wir planen einen Ausflug für den kommenden Pfingstsonntag. (We are planning a trip for the upcoming Whit Sunday.)
- Die Ereignisse des ersten Pfingstsonntags sind zentral für das Christentum. (The events of the first Pentecost Sunday are central to Christianity.)
🗓️ When to use Pfingstsonntag?
The term Pfingstsonntag is used to clearly refer to the Sunday of the Pentecost weekend (known as Whitsun weekend in some regions).
- In the calendar: For specifying dates and planning events on this public holiday.
- In a religious context: In church services, sermons, and theological discussions about the Pentecost event.
- In everyday life: When talking about plans for the Pentecost weekend (e.g., "Was machst du am Pfingstsonntag?" - What are you doing on Whit Sunday?).
Distinction:
- Pfingsten: Often refers to the entire festival, including Pfingstsonntag and Pfingstmontag.
- Pfingstmontag: The Monday after Pfingstsonntag, also often a public holiday (Whit Monday).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Pfingstsonntag is a day ('Tag' in German). Most days in German are masculine: der Tag → der Pfingstsonntag. Think 'der day'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Pfingsten" (Pentecost) + "Sonntag" (Sunday). It's the specific Sunday belonging to the Pfingsten festival.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms
Antonyms (Indirect)
- Gewöhnlicher Sonntag (Ordinary Sunday - i.e., not a holiday)
- Werktag (Weekday/Working day)
- Pfingstmontag (Whit Monday - the following day)
- Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday - the preceding major holiday)
Related Terms
😄 A Little Joke
Warum freuen sich Computer auf den Pfingstsonntag?
(Why are computers looking forward to Whit Sunday?)
Weil sie dann endlich mal ihren Cache leeren und den Heiligen Geist empfangen können – als Software-Update! 😉
(Because they can finally clear their cache and receive the Holy Spirit – as a software update!) 😉
📜 A Short Poem
Am Pfingstsonntag, hell und klar,
kam Gottes Geist, wunderbar.
Erfüllt von Mut, von Kraft und Licht,
ein neuer Anfang, Zuversicht.
Die Kirche ward an diesem Tag,
was uns bis heute prägen mag.
(On Whit Sunday, bright and clear,
God's Spirit came, wonderfully near.
Filled with courage, strength, and light,
a new beginning, hopeful sight.
The Church was founded on this day,
shaping us still, along the way.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich komme fünfzig Tage nach dem Osterfest,
bin ein Sonntag, der die Christen feiern lässt.
Der Heil'ge Geist kam an mir herab,
ich bin ein Feiertag, nicht knapp.
Wer bin ich?
(I come fifty days after the Easter feast,
A Sunday when Christians celebrate, not least.
The Holy Spirit descended on me from above,
I'm a public holiday, filled with love.
Who am I?)
Solution: Der Pfingstsonntag (Whit Sunday / Pentecost Sunday)
💡 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Pfingstsonntag" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Pfingsten: The name of the festival, derived from the Greek word pentekostē (hēméra), meaning "fiftieth (day)".
- Sonntag: Sunday.
Cultural Significance:
Der Pfingstsonntag is not only religiously significant but also culturally important in German-speaking countries. It often marks the beginning of warmer weather and is used for excursions, festivals, and traditional customs.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Pfingstsonntag?
The word "Pfingstsonntag" is masculine, so the correct article is der Pfingstsonntag. It refers to the specific Sunday of the Pentecost festival (Pfingsten), celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, and is an important Christian public holiday.