die  Geburtstagsfeier

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈbʊʁtstaːksˌfaɪ̯ɐ/

🎂 What does 'die Geburtstagsfeier' mean?

Die Geburtstagsfeier (noun, feminine) means a celebration or party held on the occasion of a person's birthday. It's a festivity where friends, family, and acquaintances come together to honor the birthday person (das Geburtstagskind), often involving cake (Kuchen), gifts (Geschenke), music, and games.

Since the word only takes the article "die", there are no different meanings indicated by different articles. It's a compound word formed from Geburtstag (birthday) and Feier (celebration).

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'die Geburtstagsfeier'

The word "Geburtstagsfeier" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Wir planen eine große Geburtstagsfeier für Oma.
   (We are planning a big birthday party for Grandma.)
2. Die Kinder freuen sich schon auf die Geburtstagsfeier ihres Freundes.
   (The children are already looking forward to their friend's birthday party.)
3. Auf der Geburtstagsfeier gab es leckeren Kuchen und viele Spiele.
   (At the birthday party, there was delicious cake and many games.)
4. Erinnerst du dich an die lustige Geburtstagsfeier vom letzten Jahr?
   (Do you remember the fun birthday party from last year?)

🎉 How and When to Use 'Geburtstagsfeier'?

"Die Geburtstagsfeier" is used to refer to any kind of celebration specifically held to commemorate a birthday. The term is widely used and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

• Typical Occasions: Children's birthdays (Kindergeburtstage), milestone birthdays (e.g., 30th, 50th, 70th - runde Geburtstage), surprise birthday parties.
• Context: You use Geburtstagsfeier when extending an invitation ("Ich lade dich zu meiner Geburtstagsfeier ein." - I invite you to my birthday party.), reporting on one ("Die Geburtstagsfeier war ein voller Erfolg." - The birthday party was a complete success.), or planning one ("Die Organisation der Geburtstagsfeier braucht Zeit." - Organizing the birthday party takes time.).
• Comparison: While "Geburtstagsparty" often sounds a bit more informal and might be used more for younger people or casual events, "Geburtstagsfeier" is more neutral and can refer to any type of birthday celebration, including more formal ones. "Geburtstagsfest" is another synonym, often implying a slightly larger or more traditional celebration.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of die Party or die Feier (the celebration). Since Geburtstagsfeier ends in "-feier", which is feminine, the word is feminine: die Geburtstagsfeier. Imagine a birthday queen (die Königin) having her party - die Queen, die Feier.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is transparently composed: Geburtstag (birthday) + Feier (celebration). So it's simply the celebration for a birthday.

↔️ Synonyms and (Possible) Antonyms

Synonyms (Words with similar meaning)

• Geburtstagsparty (die): Often more informal, modern.
• Geburtstagsfest (das): Often sounds a bit larger, more traditional, or more festive. Note the article is 'das'.
• Geburtstagsumtrunk (der): More like a brief, informal get-together with drinks for a birthday.
• Geburtstagskaffee (der): An afternoon gathering with coffee and cake.

Antonyms (Opposites)

There aren't really direct antonyms for "Geburtstagsfeier". However, one could mention events that are the opposite of a celebration:

• Alltag (der): Everyday life, the normal routine without a special celebration.
• Trauerfeier (die): A memorial service or funeral, a gathering for a sad occasion (opposite of the joyous occasion of a birthday).

Potential for Confusion

Be careful not to confuse Geburtstagsfeier with other types of celebrations (Feiern), such as Hochzeitsfeier (wedding reception), Jubiläumsfeier (anniversary celebration), or Abschlussfeier (graduation party).

😂 A Little Birthday Joke

Warum sollte man auf einer Geburtstagsfeier nie Verstecken spielen?

Weil gute Freunde schwer zu finden sind! 😉

--- Translation ---

Why should you never play hide-and-seek at a birthday party?

Because good friends are hard to find! 😉

📜 A Poem for the 'Geburtstagsfeier'

Einmal im Jahr, das ist famos,
Da ist bei jemand' richtig was los.
Mit Torte, Saft und Spielereien,
So soll die Geburtstagsfeier sein!
Geschenke packt man freudig aus,
Es tönt Applaus durchs ganze Haus.
Was feiern alle hier so heiter?
Die schönste Feier, und nichts weiter!

--- Translation ---

Once a year, it's really grand,
Something special's close at hand.
With cake and juice and fun and games,
A birthday party calls our names!
Gifts are opened with delight,
Applause rings out both day and night.
What makes everyone so cheerful here?
The best celebration of the year!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme einmal im Jahr, das ist klar,
Mit Kuchen, Kerzen und Gästeschar.
Geschenke gibt's und frohe Lieder,
Freunde kommen immer wieder.
Das Geburtstagskind steht im Mittelpunkt hier,
Was bin ich für ein Fest, sag es mir!

Lösung/Solution: Die Geburtstagsfeier

--- Translation ---

I come once a year, that is clear,
With cake, candles, and guests held dear.
There are presents and happy songs,
Friends keep coming all along.
The birthday child is the center of cheer,
What kind of celebration am I, tell me here!

Answer: The birthday party (Die Geburtstagsfeier)

🧩 Word Composition and Trivia

Word Composition

The word "Geburtstagsfeier" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), meaning it's formed by combining multiple words:

• Der Geburtstag: The day of a person's birth (birthday).
• Die Feier: The celebration, a social event where something is celebrated.

Together, they form die Geburtstagsfeier – the celebration on the occasion of a birthday.

Cultural Note

Birthday parties (Geburtstagsfeiern) are an important social occasion in Germany and many other cultures, especially children's birthdays (Kindergeburtstage) and milestone birthdays (runde Geburtstage).