German Names of 50 Common Christmas Terms: A Beginner’s Guide for Christmas Lovers
- Jens Olesen
- Dec 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
A Comprehensive Guide to Weihnachten Vocabulary for Learners of German
If you’re visiting Germany, Austria, or Switzerland during the holidays—or simply want to understand the traditions behind Weihnachten—learning festive vocabulary is a wonderful way to connect with the culture.
From Adventskranz to Weihnachtsmarkt, this guide lists 50 essential German Christmas words that you’ll hear, see, and use throughout December. It also includes articles, English translations, example sentences, and cultural notes so you can enjoy Christmas like a local—linguistically and culturally.
🕯️ 1. The Advent Season (Die Adventszeit)
Christmas in the German-speaking world begins four weeks before 24 December with der Advent, a time of calm reflection and joyful anticipation. Families light candles on the Adventskranz (Advent wreath) and open daily surprises in the Adventskalender.
German (with article) | English |
der Advent | Advent |
die Adventszeit | Advent season |
der Adventskranz / die Adventskränze | Advent wreath |
der Adventskalender | Advent calendar |
die Kerze / die Kerzen | candle(s) |
anzünden | to light (a candle) |
der Kranz | wreath |
der Sonntag im Advent | Sunday in Advent |
das Türchen / die Türchen | little door (on an Advent calendar) |
die Erwartung | expectation / anticipation |
Example sentence:
Jeden Sonntag im Advent wird eine neue Kerze am Adventskranz angezündet.– Every Sunday in Advent, a new candle on the wreath is lit.
Cultural note:The Adventskranz tradition originated in northern Germany in the 19th century and has since spread throughout the world.
🡒 Learn more about Advent and other customs in our post on Christmas traditions in German-speaking countries.
🌟 2. Decorations and Symbols (Weihnachtsdekorationen)
German homes glow with Lichterketten (fairy lights), the scent of Tannenzweige (fir branches), and the sparkle of Weihnachtskugeln (baubles). Decorating the tree (den Weihnachtsbaum schmücken) is usually done on Christmas Eve.
German | English |
der Weihnachtsbaum / die Weihnachtsbäume | Christmas tree |
der Christbaum | Christmas tree (southern German/Austrian) |
der Baumschmuck | tree ornaments |
die Weihnachtskugel / die Kugeln | Christmas bauble(s) |
die Lichterkette / die Lichterketten | string of lights |
der Stern / die Sterne | star(s) |
die Krippe | nativity scene |
der Engel / die Engel | angel(s) |
die Schleife / die Schleifen | ribbon(s) |
der Tannenzweig / die Tannenzweige | fir branch(es) |
Example sentence:
Wir schmücken unseren Weihnachtsbaum mit Lichterketten und Kugeln.– We decorate our Christmas tree with lights and ornaments.
Cultural note: In many German families, the tree is revealed for the first time on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), creating a magical surprise for children.
🎅 3. Festive Characters and Celebrations (Weihnachtspersonen und Bräuche)
Children across the German-speaking world look forward to visits from der Nikolaus, das Christkind, or der Weihnachtsmann—each representing slightly different traditions depending on region and religion.
German | English |
der Nikolaus | St Nicholas |
der Knecht Ruprecht / der Krampus | St Nicholas’s helper (in some regions) |
der Weihnachtsmann | Father Christmas / Santa Claus |
das Christkind | Christ Child (gift-bringer in southern Germany & Austria) |
die Bescherung | gift exchange |
der Heiligabend | Christmas Eve |
die Heilige Nacht | holy night |
das Fest der Liebe | “the feast of love” (nickname for Christmas) |
die Feier / das Fest | celebration / festival |
der Wunschzettel | Christmas wish list |
Example sentence:
Am Heiligabend bringt das Christkind die Geschenke.– On Christmas Eve, the Christ Child brings the presents.
Cultural note: In southern Germany, the Christkind (often imagined as an angelic child) brings gifts, while in the north it’s der Weihnachtsmann — a Santa-like figure popularised in the 20th century.
🍽️ 4. Christmas Food and Baking (Weihnachtsessen und Bäckerei)
The smell of butter, cinnamon, and vanilla fills German kitchens during December. Baking Plätzchen (Christmas biscuits) together is a treasured tradition, while Weihnachtsgans and Stollen appear on festive tables.
German | English |
die Weihnachtsgans / die Gänse | Christmas goose |
der Karpfen | carp (traditional fish) |
der Stollen / das Christstollen | Christmas fruit bread |
die Plätzchen / die Kekse | biscuits / cookies |
der Lebkuchen | gingerbread |
der Zimtstern | cinnamon star |
der Vanillekipferl | vanilla crescent |
der Bratapfel | baked apple |
der Rotkohl / das Blaukraut | red cabbage |
die Klöße / Knödel | dumplings |
Example sentence:
Zu Weihnachten essen wir Gans mit Rotkohl und Klößen und backen Zimtsterne.– At Christmas we eat goose with red cabbage and dumplings, and bake cinnamon stars.
Read more in our guide to Christmas foods and dishes in German-speaking countries.
🍷 5. Christmas Drinks (Weihnachtsgetränke)
Warming drinks are essential for cold winter evenings and Christmas markets. Germans enjoy Glühwein, while children sip Kinderpunsch under sparkling market lights.
German | English |
der Glühwein | mulled wine |
der Weißer Glühwein | white mulled wine |
die Feuerzangenbowle | flaming mulled wine punch |
der Punsch | punch |
der Kinderpunsch | non-alcoholic fruit punch |
der Glühmost | hot spiced apple cider |
der Eierlikör | egg liqueur |
der Kakao mit Sahne | hot chocolate with cream |
der Tee mit Zimt und Honig | tea with cinnamon and honey |
der Jagertee | spiced rum tea (Austrian favourite) |
Example sentence:
Ein Becher Glühwein gehört einfach zum Weihnachtsmarkt.– A cup of mulled wine is simply part of the Christmas market experience.
Explore more seasonal drinks in our post on Christmas drinks in German-speaking countries.
🎡 6. Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
No Advent season in Germany is complete without visiting at least one Weihnachtsmarkt. These markets light up town squares with festive stalls, delicious foods, and handmade gifts.
German | English |
der Weihnachtsmarkt / der Christkindlmarkt | Christmas market |
die Bude / der Stand | market stall |
die gebrannten Mandeln | roasted almonds |
das Kunsthandwerk | handicrafts |
der Duft von Zimt | the smell of cinnamon |
der Weihnachtsstern | poinsettia / Christmas star |
die Musik / das Lied | music / song |
die Stimmung | atmosphere |
die Lichter / das Licht | lights / light |
das Geschenk | gift |
Example sentence:
Auf dem Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt herrscht eine besondere Stimmung.– There’s a special atmosphere at Nuremberg’s Christmas market.
Discover the best markets to visit in our post on The Best Christmas Markets in German-Speaking Countries.
🎵 7. Music, Faith, and Family Traditions
Carols, candlelight, and togetherness are central to Weihnachten in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. After dinner, families often sing Stille Nacht and read die Weihnachtsgeschichte (the Christmas story).
German | English |
das Weihnachtslied / die Weihnachtslieder | Christmas carol(s) |
die Kirche / der Gottesdienst | church / service |
die Weihnachtsgeschichte | nativity story |
die Familie | family |
die Freude | joy |
die Liebe | love |
die Hoffnung | hope |
das Licht | light |
die Tradition | tradition |
die Besinnlichkeit | contemplation / serenity |
Example sentence:
Nach dem Gottesdienst singen viele Familien Weihnachtslieder zu Hause.– After the church service, many families sing carols at home.
For the most beautiful songs, visit our guide to German Christmas songs and carols.
🧠 Quick Grammar Tip
Many Christmas-related nouns in German are feminine (die Adventszeit, die Kerze, die Freude), while abstract words for feelings (die Liebe, die Hoffnung) are also feminine. Remember to always learn nouns with their article!
🎁 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you say “Merry Christmas” in German?→ Frohe Weihnachten!
Who brings the presents in Germany?→ Either das Christkind (south) or der Weihnachtsmann (north).
When do Germans exchange gifts?→ On Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), during die Bescherung.
What is the plural of Weihnachtsbaum?→ Weihnachtsbäume.
🎓 Learn German Through Christmas Culture
Exploring German Christmas vocabulary is a joyful way to expand your language skills while discovering traditions still cherished today. You’ll encounter these words everywhere—from Christmas markets and carols to festive recipes.
To take your German learning further, join Olesen Tuition, the top-rated German language school in London, offering:
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And explore over 600 posts on grammar, vocabulary, and culture on our German language blog
So whether you’re lighting an Adventskranz, baking Zimtsterne, or strolling through a Weihnachtsmarkt, let the language of Weihnachten bring your German learning to life.
Frohe Weihnachten und viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen!Merry Christmas and happy learning!
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