der  Urlaub

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔuːʁlaʊ̯p/

🏖️ What does 'der Urlaub' actually mean?

Der Urlaub (noun, masculine) refers to an approved period of time off from work or another obligation, usually lasting several days or weeks. It's often used for recreation, travel, or personal purposes. Essentially, it's the time when you don't have to work.

• Main meaning: Paid or unpaid time off from work (vacation, holiday, leave).
• Less common meaning: Historically, it also meant 'permission' in general (now archaic).

🚨 Watch out: In German, there's often a distinction between Urlaub (longer time off work for adults) and Ferien (school holidays, company holidays).

The Grammar of 'Urlaub' 🧐

The word "Urlaub" is a masculine noun and takes the article der. It's mostly used in the singular when referring to the general concept of time off. The plural form "die Urlaube" exists but is used less frequently, typically referring to multiple distinct vacation periods or trips.

Example Sentences

1. Wann nimmst du deinen nächsten Urlaub? (When are you taking your next vacation? - Accusative Singular)
2. Wir freuen uns schon auf den Sommerurlaub. (We are already looking forward to the summer vacation. - Accusative Singular)
3. Während seines Urlaubs hat er viel gelesen. (During his vacation, he read a lot. - Genitive Singular)
4. Ich bin ab nächster Woche im Urlaub. (I'll be on vacation starting next week. - Dative Singular)
5. Meine letzten drei Urlaube habe ich am Meer verbracht. (I spent my last three vacations by the sea. - Nominative Plural - less common)

When do you say 'Urlaub'? 🤔 Context and Usage

"Der Urlaub" is used in many everyday situations, especially concerning work and leisure time.

• Urlaub beantragen/nehmen (Applying for/taking leave): You ask your employer for days off: "Ich möchte nächsten Monat Urlaub beantragen." (I'd like to apply for vacation next month.)
• Im Urlaub sein (Being on vacation): Describes the state of having time off: "Herr Müller ist diese Woche im Urlaub." (Mr. Müller is on vacation this week.)
• Urlaub machen/verbringen (Going on/spending vacation): Describes the activity during the time off, often involving travel: "Wir machen Urlaub in Italien." (We're vacationing in Italy.) / "Wo verbringst du deinen Urlaub?" (Where are you spending your vacation?)
• Specific types of Urlaub: Often combined with other words to specify the type: Sommerurlaub (summer vacation), Winterurlaub (winter vacation), Bildungsurlaub (educational leave), Elternurlaub (parental leave - now officially Elternzeit), Sonderurlaub (special leave).

Comparison with 'Ferien': While Urlaub usually refers to an adult's time off work, Ferien (always plural) primarily means school holidays for students (Sommerferien, Winterferien) or company-wide holidays when a business closes.

💡 Mnemonics for 'der Urlaub'

For the article 'der': Imagine DER man needs ERlaubnis (permission) for his Urlaub. The word Urlaub derives from Erlaubnis (permission), and thinking of a man ('der Mann') needing leave can link it to the masculine article 'der'.

For the meaning 'vacation/time off': Think of the English phrase "UReally Love An Uninterrupted Break". The start sounds a bit like U-R-L-A-U-B and links to the concept of a break or vacation.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding/Confusing Words

• Erlaubnis (die): Means 'permission', but is historically related to Urlaub (Old High German 'urloub' = permission to leave).

😂 A Little Vacation Joke

DE: Fragt der Chef seinen Mitarbeiter: "Müller, wollen Sie lieber zwei Wochen Urlaub am Stück oder lieber dreimal eine Woche?" Sagt Müller: "Lieber dreimal eine Woche, dann habe ich dreimal das Vergnügen, nach Hause zu kommen!"

EN: The boss asks his employee: "Müller, would you prefer two weeks of vacation in one go or three times one week?" Müller replies: "I'd prefer three times one week, then I get the pleasure of coming home three times!"

✍️ Poem about Urlaub

DE:
Der Schreibtisch leer, die Mails stumm,
Die Arbeitswoche ist nun um.
Der Urlaub ruft, so hell und klar,
Die schönste Zeit im ganzen Jahr.

Ob Berge hoch, ob Meer so weit,
Vergessen sind Stress und Arbeitsleid.
Die Seele baumelt, frei und leicht,
Ein Ziel erreicht, das man ersehnt.

EN:
The desk is empty, emails mum,
The working week is overcome.
Der Urlaub calls, so clear and bright,
The best time of the year, a welcome sight.

Whether mountains high or oceans wide,
Forgotten are stress and the work-tied.
The soul just dangles, free and light,
A goal achieved, long kept in sight.

❓ Vacation Riddle

DE:
Ich bin eine Zeit ohne Pflicht,
Bringe Erholung und Sonnenlicht (manchmal).
Man bittet darum, bekommt mich genehmigt,
Und fährt oft weg, ganz unentwegt.

Was bin ich?
... Der Urlaub

EN:
I am a time without obligation,
Bringing rest and sun's elation (sometimes).
One asks for me, gets permission granted,
And often travels, quite enchanted.

What am I?
... Der Urlaub (Vacation/Holiday/Leave)

🌐 More about 'Urlaub'

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "Urlaub" comes from the Old High German word "urloub" (Middle High German "urloup"), which originally meant "permission", specifically the permission to leave (e.g., from a lord's court or military service). This meaning of "permission" evolved into today's meaning of "approved time off".

Compound Words (Komposita)

"Urlaub" forms part of many compound nouns in German:

• Urlaubsgeld: Extra money from the employer for the vacation (holiday pay/bonus).
• Urlaubstag: A single day of vacation.
• Urlaubsantrag: The formal request/application for leave.
• Urlaubsreif: Feeling in desperate need of a vacation (lit. 'ripe for vacation').
• Traumurlaub: A dream vacation.