Top 20 German Christmas Words

Christmas markets, mulled wine, and Frohe Weihnachten — German Christmas vocabulary is some of the most useful seasonal vocabulary you'll ever learn. In this lesson, we cover 20 essential German Christmas words, grouped into decorations, food and drink, and holiday phrases.

Christmas Basics & Decorations

Weihnachten (Christmas), der Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus), der Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree), der Adventskalender (advent calendar), die Kerze (candle), der Schnee (snow), der Stern (star).

Christmas Food, Drink & Market Vocabulary

der Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market), der Glühwein (mulled wine), der Lebkuchen (gingerbread), das Plätzchen (cookie), der Stollen (Christmas fruit cake), die Nüsse (nuts), die Geschenke (presents).

More Christmas Words & Holiday Phrases

das Rentier (reindeer), die Krippe (nativity scene), der Engel (angel), die Glocke (bell), der Schlitten (sleigh), heilig (holy). To wish someone well: Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!) and Ein frohes neues Jahr! (Happy New Year!). For more calendar vocabulary, see our guide to weekdays, daytime, and months in German.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say “Merry Christmas” in German?

Frohe Weihnachten!

What is a “Weihnachtsmarkt”?

A Christmas market — a common German holiday tradition with food, drink, and craft stalls.

What is “Glühwein”?

Mulled wine — a warm, spiced wine traditionally served at German Christmas markets.

How do you say “Happy New Year” in German?

Ein frohes neues Jahr!

What is “der Weihnachtsmann”?

Santa Claus, literally “the Christmas man.”

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