Do Germans say "merry Christmas"?

In German, the phrase "Frohe Weihnachten!" which translates to "Merry Christmas” is commonly used.

Do Germans say happy Christmas or Merry Christmas?

Frohe Weihnachten

Frohe Weihnachten is the classic for Merry Christmas in German. It is short, spot on and easy to learn — even for beginners. Frohe means joyful and Weihnachten of course translates to Christmas. Nothing could describe this magical time of the year with all its treats, decorations and stories better.

How do Germans greet each other on Christmas?

Here are some of the most common Christmas greetings used in Germany, so you can spread Christmas cheer far and wide: Fröhliche Weihnachten / Frohe Weihnachten - Merry Christmas. Besinnliche Feiertage / Erholsame Feiertage - Have a peaceful holiday season.

How do Germans call Christmas?

Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Why don't Germans celebrate Christmas?

No, Christmas wasn't really recognized. Basically there isn't any non-religious context to it that wasn't integrated into the New Year (such as the fir tree, decorations, exchange of presents, feast), and the devout Christianity was suppressed for 70 year, so almost nobody would care about the religious context.

Fröhliche Weihnachten (Merry Christmas in German)

What do Germans do on Christmas Day?

While 25th December is still a national holiday in Germany, it's celebrated differently to how we do in England. Traditionally, the family will gather around a heartwarming meal, attend church, children will play with their new toys and the white candle of the Advent wreath (the one in the middle) will be lit.

When was Christmas banned in Germany?

Between 1933 and 1945, some government officials attempted to remove these aspects of Christmas from civil celebrations and concentrate on cultural pre-Christian aspects of the festival. However, church and private celebrations remained Christian in nature.

What is the difference between German and English Christmas?

✨ Festive Food – Germans indulge in Stollen (fruit bread), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and bratwurst at Christmas. In the UK, it's all about mince pies (filled with dried fruit), Christmas pudding (rich, fruity, and flambéed!), and Christmas cake, covered with marzipan and a thick layer of icing.

What is Santa Claus called in Germany?

Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann

The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.

Do you say "Merry Christmas" on the 24th or 25th?

Most Christians celebrate on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in the civil calendars used in countries throughout the world.

Do Germans hug as a greeting?

If you meet close friends or family, you can give hugs instead. Do not give hugs at work, though. A handshake is more appropriate in business.

Do Germans celebrate Christmas on 24 or 25?

There are two days of Christmas in Germany, the 25th and the 26th of December. For many people, Christmas Eve, on the 24th of December, has a hectic morning part and a festive evening part.

Do Germans sing Christmas carols?

People in Germany traditionally sing carols in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, either at their local church or at home around the Christmas tree.

Why do the British say "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas"?

Early church leaders in Great Britain may have encouraged Christian followers to be happy rather than engage in merrymaking! In this sense, Happy Christmas is a bit more conservative and reserved than Merry Christmas, which conveys a more emotional, unrestrained celebration.

What expression does Germany use for Christmas?

Frohe/fröhliche Weihnachten!

Happy Christmas!

Do Europeans say "merry Christmas"?

As we celebrate the holiday season, it's heartwarming to recognize the linguistic diversity within the European Union. Whether you're extending wishes of “Merry Christmas” in English, “Joyeux Noël” in French, or any of the other 22 European languages, let the diversity of expressions enrich your celebrations.

Which countries don't celebrate Christmas?

Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi Republic, ...

Why was Christmas banned in England for 13 years?

They saw Christmas as a wasteful festival that threatened Christian beliefs and encouraged immoral activities, to (in Stubbs' words) the 'great dishonour of God'. The discontent felt within the Puritan community towards festivals led to the enactment of forceful legislation even before Cromwell's protectorate.

What country banned Christmas for 400 years?

Did you know Christmas was banned in Scotland for over 400 years? Find out more about this and other festive Scottish facts in our handy blog post.

What is eaten on Christmas Day in Germany?

At the centre of a German Christmas evening spread you'll usually find a roasted goose, turkey or duck, traditionally served with lovely plump bread dumplings – the classic round ones, or one great big festive loaf-shaped one, known as a Serviettenknödel (pictured sliced, above), plus braised red cabbage or stewed kale ...

What is the official language of Germany?

The official language of Germany is German, with over 95% of the population speaking German as their first language. Minority languages include Sorbian, spoken by 0.09% in the east of Germany and North Frisian spoken in Nordfriesland by around 10,000 people, or 0.01%, who also speak German.

What is the symbol of Christmas in Germany?

Germany is known for providing the candle pyramid, nutcrackers, and smokers to Christmas celebrations, but there are many other Christmas symbols, which stem from this country. Throughout Christmases past, people have incorporated numerous items into their Christmas celebrations.

When should you stop saying "merry Christmas"?

The correct time to stop wishing people a Merry Christmas and start saying Happy New Year is discussed, with various opinions on when to switch greetings. After 12/25 is the correct time to stop telling people to have a Merry Christmas. After that if they didn't you're just rubbing it in.

What country has Christmas first?

Interestingly enough, the first inhabited place in the world to see the sun rise on Christmas Day is Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island.

Why do Americans say "merry Christmas"?

So when did "Happy Christmas" become "Merry Christmas" in the U.S.? Historians believe it might boil down to a simple grammatical lesson. "Happy" is a word that describes an inner emotional condition, while "merry" is more of a behavior descriptor—something active and maybe even raucous.