German summer activities vocabulary

Greetings, fellow language enthusiasts! What could be a more perfect opportunity than summer to enrich your German lexicon with words related to seasonal activities? So get ready and dive in!

Summer activities in German

Summer in Germany is a unique and special experience that everyone should explore. From hiking in the Bavarian Alps to swimming in the Baltic Sea, Germany offers endless outdoor activities for a perfect summer getaway. However, to fully enjoy these activities, you need to familiarize yourself with some German summer activities vocabulary. Learning the right terms will help you communicate effectively with locals, navigate the different activities, and make the most of your trip. Start learning some key vocabulary today, and enhance your summer experience in Germany!

Recommended study materials on the topic:

  1. Basic and advanced vocabulary based on topics A1-B2 (including English translation)

  2. PONS power vocabulary box

  3. Langenscheidt memo game "What's that called?"

  4. German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

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Traveling

There's no denying that summer is the perfect time to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. Hence, it's no wonder Germans love traveling during this season. 

1. The meaning of “verreisen”

When it comes to expressing the act of going on a trip, “verreisen” is the perfect word to use. Not only does it convey the idea of traveling, but it also carries a sense of adventure and excitement. Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany or want to expand your language skills, add “verreisen” to your vocabulary list – you won’t regret it!

2. “Ferien” and “Urlaub”

In conclusion, understanding the difference between Ferien and Urlaub is crucial for anyone looking to communicate effectively in German. While both words refer to vacation time, they have distinct meanings that should not be used interchangeably. Ferien are school holidays and are fixed dates, while Urlaub is personal vacation time that can be taken whenever one chooses. 

For example: 

Wir fahren endlich in den Urlaub, wenn die Kinder Ferien haben. = We finally go on vacation when the kids are on school holidays.


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Summer Food

Of course, people in Germany also have their own summer culinary traditions! From refreshing salads to mouth-watering grilled meats, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the warm months. Indulge in the crisp crunch of a perfectly dressed cucumber salad or savor the juicy tenderness of a barbecue bratwurst. Let your taste buds be transported to the heart of Germany with every bite of these special dishes.

1. Enjoying das Eis / die Eiscreme

The German word "Eiscreme" is a term that refers to a popular frozen dessert that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Besides the classical tastes, you should not miss a classic Spaghettieis

  • die Eiscreme = the ice cream

  • eine Kugel Eis = a scoop of ice cream

  • zwei Kugeln Eis = two scoops of ice cream

  • im Becher = in a cup 

  • in der Waffel = in the waffle

  • das Wassereis = the water ice

2. Picknick in German

What is Picknick, you ask? Well, it means much more in German than just a simple picnic. It's an experience that's all about enjoying the great outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in delicious food and drink.

  • das Picknick - the picnic 

  • picknicken - to have a picnic 

3. die Sommerfrüchte

Die Sommerfrüchte, which translates to "summer fruits" in English, is more than just a name - it's a celebration of all things summer.

  • die Wassermelone = the watermelon

  • die Ananas = the pineapple 

  • die Erdbeere = the strawberry

  • die Blaubeere = the blueberry

  • die Kirsche = the cherry

  • die Pflaume = the plum

  • der Pfirsich = the peach

  • die Aprikose = the apricot

  • die Nektarine = the nectarine

4. The art of “grillen”

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the German obsession of "grillen"! Germans take their barbeque seriously, from sausages to steaks, and for good reason. With our top-of-the-line grill, you can experience the authentic taste of grilled meats like never before.

  • grillen = barbecue

  • der Grill = the barbecue

  • die Grillschürze = the barbecue apron

  • die Wurst (die Würste) = the sausage 

  • das Steak = the steak

  • das Fleisch = the meat

  • der Grillkäse = grilled cheese

  • das Grillgemüse = the grilled vegetables

Cooling down in the water

From swimming in the pool or lake, to lounging on the beach or playing water rat, these are all activities that can be enjoyed during the summer season in Germany. Whether you're a local or a traveler, learning some of this vocabulary will help you make the most of your German summer!

  • schwimmen – to swim

  • das Schwimmbad - swimming pool 

  • das Freibad - outdoor pool

  • der See - the lake

  • das Meer - the sea

  • die Wasserratte - keen swimmer (someone who swims or bathes a lot and who, often, is in the water)

Enjoying the sun

After a long day of traveling, indulging in delicious food, and cooling off in the refreshing water, it only makes sense to soak up some sun for a little longer. For all of the Sonnenanbeter (jokingly: a person who likes to be in the sun frequently in order to get tan): Don't forget to protect your skin with sunscreen (Sonnencreme) and prolong your time in paradise.

  • der Sonnenschirm = the parasol

  • die Sonnencreme = the sunscreen

  • der LSF / der Lichtschutzfaktor = sun protection factor

  • die Sonnenbrille = sun glasses 

  • der Sonnenbrand = sun burn 

  • der Sonnenanbeter /die Sonnenanbeterin = literally person who prays to the sun,sb. who likes to be in the sun

  • der Sonnenhut - sun hat

  • sich eincremen mit + Dative = to cream yourself with

  • sich verbrennen = to burn yourself

Conclusion

After learning all this German summer activities vocabulary you are ready to take your German summer experience to the next level. While we're at it don’t miss learning about German summer weather talk

Bis bald!

Steffie

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