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noun

der Weihnachtsmarkt, ¨-e

Christmas market

Definition & meaning

A Weihnachtsmarkt is a traditional festive street market associated with the celebration of Christmas, primarily held in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland during the four weeks of Advent. These markets are typically located in town squares and feature numerous wooden stalls selling seasonal food, drinks, and handmade goods.

Common items found at a Weihnachtsmarkt include beverages like Glühwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate, as well as snacks like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds), and Bratwurst. Beyond food, these markets are famous for selling traditional crafts, such as ornaments, nutcrackers, and candles.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a compound noun formed from two parts:

  1. Weihnachten, which means "Christmas". This originates from the Middle High German term "wīhen nahten", meaning "holy nights".
  2. Markt, which means "market".

In German grammar, it is a masculine noun: der Weihnachtsmarkt. The plural form is die Weihnachtsmärkte, where the "a" undergoes an umlaut change. The "s" in the middle acts as a Genitiv-s or Fugenelement, a linking element used to join the two nouns.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Christkindlmarkt: A term very common in southern Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol, literally meaning "Christ Child market".
  • Adventsmarkt: A more general term for a market held during the season of Advent.
  • Nikolausmarkt: Sometimes used for smaller markets held specifically around the feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6th.

Antonyms: Since it is a specific cultural event, there is no direct opposite. However, one might distinguish it from other types of markets such as:

  • Wochenmarkt: A regular weekly market for groceries and everyday goods.
  • Jahrmarkt: A general annual fair or funfair that is not tied to the Christmas season.
  • Frühlingsmarkt: A seasonal market held in the spring.

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Examples

Der Weihnachtsmarkt öffnet im Dezember.noun

The Christmas market opens in December.

Bald beginnt ein großer Weihnachtsmarkt in der Stadt.noun

Soon a large Christmas market will begin in the city.

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