Learn German Christmas Words and Traditions
Updated: Dec 8, 2023
Learn German Christmas words and traditions, specifically from the State of Saxony, and finish it up with a Crossword puzzle!
Christmas in Germany is by far one of the most beautiful times to celebrate traditions. Some of these traditions have been around for hundreds of years. The Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Dresden's Christmas market for example, has been around for 589 years, and it's amazing to learn that families and friends have celebrated Christmas in Dresden in this way for such a long time. The market provides something for everyone: delicious foods, activities for the little ones, and handmade goods that range from pottery, leather to metal arts. Let's not forget the warmth of the Glühwein, a mulled wine, which is the perfect drink for adults when it's cold out there. Children can enjoy some hot chocolate or a warm apple cider.
The Dresdner Christstollen is a unique type of sweet bread which was first created in Dresden over 550 years ago. It's flavored with spices, nuts and dried fruit, and it's still enjoyed to this day all around the world.
The Pflaumentoffel is a unique little figure put together with dried plums and wooden sticks. He represents a "Schornsteinfeger", a chimney sweeper, who brings good luck and I remember building one myself when I was a child. You an always buy them at the Striezelmarkt as gifts for family and friends. It was first sold there in the early 18th century.
Die Holzkunst, wood art, of the Erzgebirge is known all around the world as well. In the Erzgebirge, a region in the state of Saxony, artist create unique little figures for seasonal holidays such as Easter and Christmas. The Räuchermann, an incense smoker, fills the air with fir and cinnamon in many German homes.
Now, I invite you to learn some German words that celebrate Christmas in Germany, specifically in the area of Saxony. Why Saxony? I have grown up in Dresden, Saxony and the surrounding areas, and know all about the different traditions. That's my familiar and brings back wonderful memories. ...and not for nothing, Dresden has been called "Europe's capital of Christmas". It's a special place and I have to admit that I have not been back for Christmas in Dresden for probably 10 years - I am thinking it's time to head back some time soon.
Let's learn some Deutsch:
der Weihnachtsmarkt: Christmas market (Striezelmarkt: name of the Dresden Christmas market)
der Weihnachtsmann: Santa Claus
die Adventspyramide: advent pyramid
die Lichter: lights
der Engel: angel
der Nikolaus: Saint that visits on December 6 and stuffs gifts into clean shoes
der Weihnachtsbaum: Christmas tree
die Bescherung: giving gifts on December 24 after dinner
der Adventskalender: advent calendar filled with chocolates
der Adventskranz: wreath with candles
die Plätzchen: Christmas cookies
der Schwibbogen: candle arch
der Stollen: sweet bread backed with spices, nuts, dried fruits
der Räuchermann: smoke figure, incense smoker
der Nussknacker: nutcracker
der Heiligabend: holy night
das Christkind: holy child
festlich: festive
das Festessen: feast
die Geschenke: presents
der Glühwein: mulled, spiced wine
der Lebkuchen: gingerbread
der Pfefferkuchen: gingerbread
der Tannenbaum: fir tree, Christmas tree
der Gänsebraten: roast goose
Download list of words here or click on the image below
German Christmas Crossword Puzzle
The above words represent some of the most basic German Christmas words that will get you started. And if you want to practice writing some of the words, why not do this German Christmas crossword puzzle. Use the words above to find the answers. Click here to download the PDF.
