die Bescherung, -en
gift-giving
Definition & meaning
Bescherung has two main meanings:
- The giving or opening of Christmas presents, especially as a family tradition. It can refer both to the occasion and to the gifts being handed out.
- Colloquially, an unpleasant surprise, mess, or troublesome situation. In the exclamation “Na, das ist ja eine Bescherung!”, the speaker means something like “Well, that’s a fine mess!” The tone is often ironic.
Grammar & Word origin
Bescherung is a feminine noun: die Bescherung. Its plural is die Bescherungen, though the plural is uncommon when referring to the Christmas tradition.
It derives from the verb bescheren , meaning “to give” or “to provide,” especially in the sense of bestowing something. The noun’s older sense was broadly “a giving” or “an allotment”; its Christmas meaning developed from the custom of giving presents.
Synonyms & antonyms
For the Christmas meaning:
- Geschenkübergabe — “presentation of gifts”; more formal and literal, without necessarily implying a Christmas tradition.
- Geschenkeverteilung — “distribution of presents”; emphasizes handing gifts out rather than the festive occasion.
For the colloquial meaning of a mess or mishap:
- Schlamassel — an awkward or troublesome situation; more plainly negative.
- Misere — a serious or prolonged predicament; usually more weighty in tone.
There is no direct antonym that fits both meanings.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Die Bescherung findet am Abend statt.noun
The gift-giving takes place in the evening.
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