noun

die Ferien, pl.

holiday · vacation

Eine Zeit ohne Schule oder Arbeit, in der man sich ausruht, verreist oder etwas Schönes unternimmt.

Ferien refers to a period of time during which activities like work, school, or university are suspended, allowing for rest, recreation, or travel.

School holidays: This is the most common usage in Germany, referring to the breaks throughout the school year (such as summer, autumn, or winter holidays).
Vacation/Time off: It can also describe the period when someone takes time off from their regular job to travel or relax.

In German, Ferien is almost exclusively used in the plural form.

Grammar: The word is a feminine noun that only exists in the plural (die Ferien). Therefore, there is no singular form.
Word origin: The term stems from the Latin word "feriae," which means "festive days," "holidays," or "days of rest." It entered the German language through academic and ecclesiastical contexts before becoming a general term for holidays.

Synonyms:

Urlaub (Refers more specifically to paid time off from work)
Freizeit (Refers to general spare time outside of professional or academic obligations)
Auszeit (Refers to a break or time-out)
Ferienzeit (The period of time during which one has holidays)

Antonyms: