die  Kirmes

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɪʁməs/

🎪 What exactly is a Kirmes?

The German word die Kirmes (feminine, article die) originally referred to a Kirchweihfest, the annual festival commemorating the consecration of a church. Over time, the meaning broadened, and today it usually refers to a Volksfest (funfair, folk festival) featuring rides, stalls, games, and food, often, but not always, still linked to the original church consecration.

Depending on the region, different terms might be used, often synonymously, such as Jahrmarkt (annual fair), Rummel (funfair, esp. northern/eastern Germany), or Dult (Bavarian fair).

🚨 Attention: Although its origins are religious, the modern Kirmes is often purely secular entertainment.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Kirmes

The noun "Kirmes" is feminine. Therefore, the correct definite article is die.

Example Sentences

1. Wir gehen am Wochenende auf die Kirmes.
   (We are going to the funfair this weekend.)
2. Die Kinder lieben die Fahrgeschäfte auf der Kirmes.
   (The children love the rides at the funfair.)
3. Auf vielen Kirmessen gibt es ein großes Feuerwerk.
   (At many funfairs, there is a big fireworks display.)
4. Der Geruch von gebrannten Mandeln gehört zur Kirmes dazu.
   (The smell of roasted almonds is part of the funfair experience.)

🎡 When and How to Use "Kirmes"?

The term "Kirmes" is predominantly used in western and central Germany. In other regions, terms like Volksfest (more common in the south, general term), Jahrmarkt (often with more market stalls), Rummel (more common in the north/east), or specific names like Oktoberfest, Cannstatter Wasen, Schützenfest are more usual.

Typical collocations include:

• auf die Kirmes gehen (to go to the funfair)
• die Kirmes besuchen (to visit the funfair)
• Kirmes feiern (to celebrate the Kirmes)
• eine Kirmes findet statt (a funfair takes place)

"Kirmes" is usually associated with a mix of tradition (especially in rural areas connected to the church consecration) and modern amusement (roller coasters, game booths, food stalls).

🧠 Mnemonics for Kirmes

Article Mnemonic: Think of the excitement and fun at a fair – it's a lively event. Many words for parties or festivities in German are feminine, like die Feier (the celebration), die Party (the party), die Messe (the fair/mass). So, it's die Kirmes.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Kirche (church) + Messe (mass/fair) = Kirmes. Imagine the church service ending, and the colorful fair starting right outside.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Watch out: A Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) is also a type of folk festival but has specific roots in shooting clubs. While it often includes funfair elements, it's not synonymous with Kirmes.

😂 A Little Kirmes Joke

German: Fragt der Vater seinen Sohn nach dem Kirmesbesuch: "Na, warst du auf der Achterbahn?" Sohn: "Ja, Papa!" Vater: "Und, wie war's?" Sohn: "Super! Ich habe sogar deinen Geldbeutel wiedergefunden, den du letztes Jahr dort verloren hast!"

English: A father asks his son after visiting the funfair: "So, did you go on the roller coaster?" Son: "Yes, Dad!" Father: "And how was it?" Son: "Great! I even found the wallet you lost there last year!"

✍️ Kirmes Poem

German:
Bunte Lichter, laute Musik,
Zuckerwatte, pures Glück.
Riesenrad dreht seine Runden,
Auf der Kirmes frohe Stunden.
Von der Kirchweih einst gekommen,
Wird das Fest nun wahrgenommen
Als ein Ort voll Spaß und Spiel,
Für die Kinder Glücksziel.

English:
Colorful lights, music loud,
Cotton candy, happy crowd.
Ferris wheel turns round and high,
Joyful hours at the Kirmes fly.
From the church fair it arose,
Now a festive air it shows,
As a place of fun and games,
Igniting children's joyful flames.

❓ Kirmes Riddle

German:
Ich komm einmal im Jahr, mal hier, mal dort,
Bring Lärm und Licht an manchen Ort.
Man fährt im Kreis, schießt auf die Dos',
Und isst was Süßes, riesengroß.
Ich stamme von der Kirche ab,
Doch biete heute Fahrspaß satt.

Was bin ich? ... Die Kirmes

English:
I come once a year, sometimes here, sometimes there,
Bringing noise and light beyond compare.
You ride in circles, shoot at tins,
And eat sweet treats, where fun begins.
I stem from the church, it's true,
But offer thrilling rides for you.

What am I? ... The Kirmes (funfair/parish fair)

💡 Other Information about Kirmes

Etymology: The word "Kirmes" is a contraction of the Middle High German kirch(e)messe. It originally referred to the mass celebrated annually for the consecration (Weihe) of the church, and the subsequent festival.

Regional Customs: Depending on the region, specific Kirmes customs exist, such as erecting a Kirmesbaum (Kirmes tree), Kirmesumzüge (parades), or special dances and foods.

Largest Fairs: Die Cranger Kirmes in Herne is considered the largest public festival in North Rhine-Westphalia and one of the largest funfairs (Kirmessen) in Germany.