The ultimate guide to German New Year's Eve vocabulary
As we bid farewell to the current year and welcome the New Year, it's the perfect time to enrich our German language skills, especially for the festive season. In this blog post, we'll guide you to mastering the essential vocabulary for celebrating New Year's in true German style.
Silvester
To learn about German New Year's Eve, start with the word "Silvester." This is how Germans say "New Year's Eve." Knowing this helps you understand more German terms related to this celebration.
das Silvester
Recommended study materials on the topic:
Basic and advanced vocabulary based on topics A1-B2 (including English translation)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
A1 - A2 Silvester / New Year’s German conversation worksheets
A2 - B1 Silvester / New Year’s German conversation worksheets
B2 - C1 Silvester / New Year’s German conversation worksheets
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Das neue Jahr
"Das neue Jahr" is a German phrase that translates to "the new year" in English. It signifies the beginning of a new calendar year, often associated with renewal, fresh starts, and new possibilities. In German culture, as in many others, the start of the new year is a moment to reflect on the past year and set goals or resolutions for the year ahead. This period is marked by celebrations, family gatherings, and various traditions that embrace the hope of entering a new year.
German New Year’s greetings
On Silvester, which is what New Year's Eve is called in German-speaking countries, there are a couple of standard greetings you're likely to hear.
Guten Rutsch
"Guten Rutsch!" is a typical German New Year's greeting, directly translating to "Good slide." You usually wish it until the 31.12 at 11:59 pm. It's a way to wish someone a seamless and prosperous start to the new year. The origins of this phrase date back to around 1900.
The phrase's roots have different interpretations. Some believe it stems from Yiddish, relating to the Jewish New Year celebration, Rosh Tov. Another theory suggests it comes from an older meaning of "slide" or "travel," as found in historical dictionaries, where "slide" or "travel" were synonymous with embarking on a journey.
It usually is used as:
Guten Rutsch
Guten Rutsch ins neues Jahr
Ich wünsche dir / euch einen guten Rutsch (ins neue Jahr).
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Frohes neues Jahr
"Frohes neues Jahr!" translates to "Happy New Year!" in English. This phrase is commonly used in German-speaking countries to celebrate the new year's arrival. It's traditionally exclaimed right after the stroke of midnight, marking the end of December 31st and the start of January 1st. People often say it while raising a toast with Sekt (German sparkling wine), during fireworks displays, or when calling or messaging friends and family to convey good wishes. It's a phrase filled with joy and optimism, reflecting the hope and anticipation for all the possibilities a fresh year brings. Whether at a lively party or a quiet family gathering, "Frohes neues Jahr!" is a heartfelt way to wish happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.
It usually is used as:
frohes Neues
frohes neues Jahr
Ich wünsche dir / euch ein frohes neues Jahr.
Prost Neujahr
"Prost Neujahr," a traditional German phrase, is a celebratory toast used during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations. It translates to "Cheers to the New Year" in English. This phrase is commonly used when raising a glass of Sekt (German sparkling wine) or other beverages in a toast to welcome the new year. It reflects a sense of joy and hope for prosperity, health, and happiness in the upcoming year. "Prost Neujahr" is often shared among friends and family at the stroke of midnight and during New Year's Day gatherings, symbolizing good wishes and communal celebration of the year to come.
Good to know: In Germany, people say "Guten Rutsch" before the new year begins and "Frohes neues Jahr" when the new year starts.
Silvester decoration
To host a fantastic Silvester party, the right decorations are essential to create the perfect atmosphere.
Die Luftschlangen
"Die Luftschlangen," or streamers, are long, coiled strips of colored paper used for celebrations like Silvester and birthdays. They create a festive look when hung up or thrown, adding playfulness to the party atmosphere.
Das Konfetti
"Das Konfetti" are small, colored paper pieces used in celebrations like Silvester, carnivals, or weddings. Thrown in the air or used as decoration, they add a vibrant and joyful atmosphere to festivities.
Der Glücksbringer
"Der Glücksbringer" in German New Year's Eve traditions, is a lucky charm believed to bring good fortune. Common examples include four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and pig figurines. Often given as gifts, these tokens symbolize love, good wishes, and the hope for a prosperous new year.
Die Wunderkerzen
"Die Wunderkerzen," or sparklers, are a popular feature in German New Year's Eve celebrations. These small, handheld fireworks sparkle when lit, creating a festive atmosphere. They're especially loved during Silvester for their glittering light, symbolizing hope and joy for the upcoming year. As a cherished tradition, Wunderkerzen add a magical touch to the midnight celebrations.
Das Tischfeuerwerk
"Das Tischfeuerwerk," or table fireworks, are small, indoor-safe fireworks used in German celebrations like Silvester. They create a mini display of sparks and colors, adding excitement to indoor festivities, particularly for New Year's Eve gatherings.
Vocabulary:
die Luftschlange - the streamers
das Konfetti - the confetti
der Glücksbringer - the lucky charms
die Wunderkerze - the sparklers
das Tischfeuerwerk - the table fireworks
Silvester activities
Der Neujahrsvorsatz
"Der Neujahrsvorsatz," meaning New Year's resolution in German, is about setting personal goals for the upcoming year. Commonly focused on self-improvement, these resolutions symbolize a fresh start and the desire for positive change as the new year begins.
Das Feuerwerk & die Böller
In Germany, people can buy fireworks (das Feuerwerk) and firecrackers (die Böller) before New Year's Eve. This means everyone can set off their fireworks during Silvester celebrations. It's common to see neighborhoods filled with colorful fireworks and hear loud bangs as families and friends gather to enjoy this tradition together. This makes the New Year's celebration in Germany very lively and personal, as many people participate in setting off fireworks.
Das Bleigießen
"Das Bleigießen" is a traditional New Year's Eve custom in Germany, traditionally involving melting lead to predict the future. The practice involves melting small pieces of lead or tin over a candle in a spoon. Once molten, the metal is quickly poured into cold water, where it hardens into unique shapes. These shapes are then interpreted to predict events or themes for the coming year.
However, due to health and environmental concerns associated with lead, this tradition has evolved. Nowadays, many people use wax instead of lead. The process remains the same, but using wax is safer and more environmentally friendly. Like with lead, the wax forms distinct shapes when cooled in water, and these shapes are interpreted to offer insights or predictions for the new year. This adaptation of Bleigießen maintains the fun and anticipation of the tradition while being more health-conscious.
"Dinner for One"
"Dinner for One," also known as "Der 90. Geburtstag" (The 90th Birthday), is a British comedy sketch that has become an unlikely but beloved New Year's Eve tradition in Germany. Originally recorded in the 1960s, this short film is broadcast on German television every Silvester (New Year's Eve). It features Miss Sophie, who celebrates her 90th birthday with imaginary friends, and her butler, James, who humorously impersonates each absent guest.
The phrase "The same procedure as every year, James" from the sketch has become iconic in German popular culture. Watching "Dinner for One" is a cherished ritual, with many people tuning in year after year. The sketch is beloved not only for its humor but also for its underlying theme of celebrating traditions and the passage of time. Its repeated viewing on Silvester symbolizes the familiarity and comfort of annual traditions, making it a significant and endearing part of German New Year's Eve celebrations.
Vocabulary:
der Neujahrsvorsatz - the New Year's resolution
das Feuerwerk - the fireworks
der Böller - the firecrackers
böllern - to use firecrackers
das Bleigießen - pouring of molten lead
Silvester food and drinks
Das Fondue
Eating "Das Fondue" on Silvester, or New Year's Eve, is a beloved tradition in Germany. It involves dipping foods like meat or vegetables into a communal pot of melted cheese or hot oil, offering a warm and social dining experience. Fondue brings people together, making it ideal for celebrating the new year with family and friends. This communal meal enhances the festive atmosphere of Silvester, emphasizing unity and togetherness.
Das Raclette
"Das Raclette," a popular New Year's Eve tradition in Germany, involves melting Raclette cheese and pouring it over potatoes, vegetables, or meats. This communal meal, enjoyed around a Raclette grill, fosters a warm, social atmosphere, perfect for Silvester gatherings. It's not just about the food; it's about bringing friends and family together, creating a festive and cozy environment to welcome the new year.
Der Berliner (Pfannkuchen)
Eating "Der Berliner," also known as "Pfannkuchen" in some parts of Germany, is a traditional custom during Silvester or New Year's Eve. These are sweet, jam-filled doughnuts, typically covered with powdered sugar, and are a beloved treat to enjoy as the year comes to a close. The Berliner is synonymous with celebration and is often shared among friends and family during New Year's Eve parties.
An interesting and playful twist to this tradition involves hiding a single Berliner filled with mustard among the sweet ones. The person who bites into the mustard-filled Berliner is said to have good luck or is playfully teased for the upcoming year. This quirky custom adds an element of surprise and humor to the festivities, making the experience of eating Berliners on Silvester both delicious and memorable. It reflects the light-hearted spirit of welcoming the new year with joy and a bit of playful mischief.
Die Feuerzangenbowle
Drinking "Die Feuerzangenbowle" (red wine punch) is a festive New Year's Eve tradition in Germany. This impressive drink involves setting a rum-soaked sugar cone (Zuckerhut) above a bowl of mulled wine and lighting it on fire. As the sugar melts and caramelizes, it drips into the wine, enriching its flavor. This creates a delicious, spiced beverage and a captivating spectacle. Sharing Feuerzangenbowle brings people together, making it a symbolic and cherished part of the Silvester celebrations.
Vocabulary:
das Fondue - the fondu
das Raclette - the raclette
der Berliner (Pfannkuchen) - Doughnut without hole
die Feuerzangenbowle - red wine punch
Conclusion
With this extensive list of German Silvester terms, you're fully prepared to immerse yourself in the joy and customs of a German New Year's Eve.
Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!
Bis bald!
Steffie
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