How is 'Merry Christmas' said in German?

To wish someone 'Merry Christmas' in German, one might say 'Frohe Weihnachten'. There are variants of this phrase, including 'Fröhliche Weihnachten' (Joyous Christmas), 'Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr' (Merry Christmas and lots of luck for the new year), and the neutral 'Schöne Feiertage' (Happy Holidays).

Plenty of German Christmas traditions begin before 25th December, usually starting with Advent calendars on the first day of December. For each day leading up to Christmas day, a window or flap is opened, traditionally containing a small picture or, in more recent years, a piece of chocolate. Advent wreaths are also common in Germany, containing 5 candles. The first is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day, and the rest are gradually lit on the subsequent Sundays. The final candle is lit on Christmas day.

Other German traditions include 'Weihnachtsmärkte' (Christmas markets), where stalls sell Christmas decorations, food and 'Glühwein' (mulled wine). Christmas trees are a common sight during December, although they are not decorated as elaborately as in the USA. Instead, they are adorned with simple wooden decorations, for example, 'Weihnachtsengel' (Christmas angels), and food items, such as 'Weihnachtsplätzchen' (Christmas cookies).

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18 Comments

Stevie G

Your explanation confirms that Merry Christmas it is 'Frohe Weihnachten' and that 'Fröhliche Weihnachten' stands for Joyous Christmas.

Helga U. Williams

Frohe Weinachten would be more correct. Then, even though..."und ein glüciches Neues Jahr", would be correct, most Germans say ..."und einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr", which literally means .."and a good slide into the new year". Also, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th which is "Heilig Abend" (Holy Eve). The next two days - the 25th and 26th - are two official holidays following Christmas.

Kath Thomson

Martha McDowell, 'how is' or 'how do you say' are both acceptable.

Martha McDowell

"How IS 'Merry Christmas' in German????? In Canadian English we would say: "How do you say 'Merry Christmas' in German?" Honestly???? Who corrects these questions?

Helga U. Williams

Helga U. Williams, should have read "glückliches"....😊

John W Shreve

The Germans are totally into Christmas.

Stella Maris Fernández Iglesia

I say the same. I have found several websites which say "“Frohe Weihnachten” (German) in English is Merry Christmas". So there are 2 correct answers, I want my points.