Einheit 12: Feste und Traditionen

📘 Colloquial German for Beginners

🎉 UNIT 12: Celebrations and Traditions

🗣️ Dialogue 1 – Talking About Celebrations (Standard German)

Basic Phrases:

• Feierst du ...? – Do you celebrate ...?
• Welches Fest magst du am liebsten? – Which festival do you like best?
• Ich mag ... – I like ...
• Was machst du an ...? – What do you do on ...?
• Ich feiere mit ... – I celebrate with ...

Anna: Hallo, feierst du Weihnachten?

Tom: Ja, ich liebe Weihnachten!

Anna: Welches Fest magst du am liebsten?

Tom: Ich mag Silvester.

Anna: Was machst du an Silvester?

Tom: Ich feiere mit Freunden und schaue Feuerwerk.

📝 Translation

Anna: Hello, do you celebrate Christmas?

Tom: Yes, I love Christmas!

Anna: Which festival do you like best?

Tom: I like New Year’s Eve.

Anna: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?

Tom: I celebrate with friends and watch fireworks.

🗣️ Dialogue 2 – Chatting About Celebrations (Colloquial German)

Basic Phrases:

• Feierst’n ...? – Do you celebrate ...?
• Welches Fest findst’n am besten? – Which festival do you like best?
• Is’ geil – Is awesome
• Was machst’n an ...? – What do you do on ...?
• Ich häng mit ... – I hang out with ...

Ben: Hey, feierst’n Weihnachten?

Lisa: Klar, Weihnachten is’ geil!

Ben: Welches Fest findst’n am besten?

Lisa: Silvester is’ cool.

Ben: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Lisa: Ich häng mit Kumpels ab und guck Feuerwerk.

📝 Translation

Ben: Hey, do you celebrate Christmas?

Lisa: Sure, Christmas is awesome!

Ben: Which festival do you like best?

Lisa: New Year’s Eve is cool.

Ben: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?

Lisa: I hang out with friends and watch fireworks.

🗣️ Dialogue 3 – Talking About Celebrations (Bavarian)

Basic Phrases:

• Feierst’n ...? – Do you celebrate ...?
• Wöi’s Fest magst’n am liabsten? – Which festival do you like best?
• I mag ... – I like ...
• Was machst’n an ...? – What do you do on ...?
• I feier mit ... – I celebrate with ...

Sepp: Servus, feierst’n Weihnachtn?

Maria: Jo, Weihnachtn is super!

Sepp: Wöi’s Fest magst’n am liabsten?

Maria: Silvester is schee.

Sepp: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Maria: I feier mit Freind und schaug’s Feuerwerk.

📝 Translation

Sepp: Hello, do you celebrate Christmas?

Maria: Yes, Christmas is great!

Sepp: Which festival do you like best?

Maria: New Year’s Eve is nice.

Sepp: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?

Maria: I celebrate with friends and watch fireworks.

🗣️ Dialogue 4 – Talking About Celebrations (Swabian)

Basic Phrases:

• Feierst’n ...? – Do you celebrate ...?
• Wöue Fest magst’n am liebsta? – Which festival do you like best?
• I mag ... – I like ...
• Was machst’n an ...? – What do you do on ...?
• I feier mit ... – I celebrate with ...

Lena: Grüß di, feierst’n Weihnachta?

Max: Jo, Weihnachta isch super!

Lena: Wöue Fest magst’n am liebsta?

Max: Silvester isch sche.

Lena: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Max: I feier mit Freind ond schaug Feuerwerk.

📝 Translation

Lena: Hello, do you celebrate Christmas?

Max: Yes, Christmas is great!

Lena: Which festival do you like best?

Max: New Year’s Eve is nice.

Lena: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?

Max: I celebrate with friends and watch fireworks.

🧠 Vocabulary

Standard: Feierst du Weihnachten?

Colloquial: Feierst’n Weihnachten?

Bavarian: Feierst’n Weihnachtn?

Swabian: Feierst’n Weihnachta?

Meaning: Do you celebrate Christmas?

Standard: Welches Fest magst du am liebsten?

Colloquial: Welches Fest findst’n am besten?

Bavarian: Wöi’s Fest magst’n am liabsten?

Swabian: Wöue Fest magst’n am liebsta?

Meaning: Which festival do you like best?

Standard: Ich mag Silvester.

Colloquial: Silvester is’ cool.

Bavarian: Silvester is schee.

Swabian: Silvester isch sche.

Meaning: I like New Year’s Eve.

Standard: Was machst du an Silvester?

Colloquial: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Bavarian: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Swabian: Was machst’n an Silvester?

Meaning: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?

Standard: Ich feiere mit Freunden.

Colloquial: Ich häng mit Kumpels ab.

Bavarian: I feier mit Freind.

Swabian: I feier mit Freind.

Meaning: I celebrate with friends.

Standard: Feuerwerk

Colloquial: Feuerwerk

Bavarian: Feuerwerk

Swabian: Feuerwerk

Meaning: Fireworks

Standard: Geschenk

Colloquial: Geschenk

Bavarian: G’schenk

Swabian: G’schonk

Meaning: Gift

Standard: Tradition

Colloquial: Tradition

Bavarian: Tradition

Swabian: Tradition

Meaning: Tradition

Note: Colloquial German uses casual terms like “is’ geil” and “Kumpels.” Bavarian features “schee” and “Freind.” Swabian has a softer tone with “isch” and “sche.” Celebration terms are mostly consistent, but dialects add regional flavor.

📚 Grammar Focus: Present Tense and Prepositions with Celebrations

The present tense is key for discussing celebrations and traditions in German, often with the preposition “an” for specific holidays:

• Standard German: Formal verbs and structures (Dialogue 1).
• Colloquial German: Slang and contractions like “is’ geil” (Dialogue 2).
• Bavarian: Regional terms like “Weihnachtn” and “schee” (Dialogue 3).
• Swabian: Softer pronunciation with “isch” and “Weihnachta” (Dialogue 4).

Expression: Asking about celebrations

Standard: Feierst du Weihnachten?

Colloquial: Feierst’n Weihnachten?

Bavarian: Feierst’n Weihnachtn?

Swabian: Feierst’n Weihnachta?

Meaning: Do you celebrate Christmas?

Verb: Mögen

Standard: Ich mag

Colloquial: Ich find

Bavarian: I mag

Swabian: I mag

Meaning: I like

Preposition: An + holiday

Standard: An Silvester

Colloquial: An Silvester

Bavarian: An Silvester

Swabian: An Silvester

Meaning: On New Year’s Eve

Examples:

Standard:

• “Feierst du Weihnachten?” – Formal.
• “Ich mag Silvester.” – Clear.
• “Was machst du an Silvester?” – Polite.

Colloquial:

• “Feierst’n Weihnachten?” – Casual.
• “Silvester is’ cool.” – Relaxed.
• “Was machst’n an Silvester?” – Lively.

Bavarian:

• “Feierst’n Weihnachtn?” – Regional.
• “Silvester is schee.” – Warm.
• “Was machst’n an Silvester?” – Sing-song.

Swabian:

• “Feierst’n Weihnachta?” – Soft.
• “Silvester isch sche.” – Melodic.
• “Was machst’n an Silvester?” – Expressive.

✍️ Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank (Standard German)

Fill in the blank with the correct celebration-related term in Standard German.

• 1. ___ du Weihnachten?
• 2. Welches ___ magst du am liebsten?
• 3. Was machst du an ___?
• 4. Ich feiere mit ___.
• 5. Ich liebe das ___ an Silvester.

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Welches Fest magst du am liebsten?
• 3. Was machst du an Silvester?
• 4. Ich feiere mit Freunden.
• 5. Ich liebe das Feuerwerk an Silvester.

Exercise 2: Matching Phrases to Dialects

Match the phrase to its dialect.

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Feierst’n Weihnachten?
• 3. Feierst’n Weihnachtn?
• 4. Feierst’n Weihnachta?

Options:

• A. Standard German
• B. Colloquial German
• C. Bavarian
• D. Swabian

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten? – A. Standard German
• 2. Feierst’n Weihnachten? – B. Colloquial German
• 3. Feierst’n Weihnachtn? – C. Bavarian
• 4. Feierst’n Weihnachta? – D. Swabian

Exercise 3: Sentence Ordering (Colloquial German)

Put the words in order to form a correct sentence in Colloquial German.

• 1. Weihnachten / feierst’n / ?
• 2. Fest / findst’n / welches / am besten / ?
• 3. Silvester / machst’n / was / an / ?

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst’n Weihnachten?
• 2. Welches Fest findst’n am besten?
• 3. Was machst’n an Silvester?

Exercise 4: Multiple Choice Vocabulary

Choose the correct vocabulary word to complete the sentence (use the dialect indicated).

• 1. (Standard) ___ du Weihnachten?
  A. Feierst   B. Machst   C. Gehst
• 2. (Colloquial) ___ is’ cool!
  A. Weihnachten   B. Silvester   C. Feuerwerk
• 3. (Bavarian) I feier mit ___ .
  A. Kumpels   B. Freind   C. Familie
• 4. (Swabian) Silvester isch ___!
  A. geil   B. sche   C. super

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Silvester is’ cool!
• 3. I feier mit Freind.
• 4. Silvester isch sche!

Exercise 5: Fill in the Blank (Mixed Dialects)

Fill in the blank with the correct celebration-related term (use the dialect indicated).

• 1. (Standard) ___ du Weihnachten?
• 2. (Colloquial) Ich häng mit ___ ab.
• 3. (Bavarian) Silvester is ___.
• 4. (Swabian) I feier mit ___.
• 5. (Standard) Ich liebe das ___ an Silvester.

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Ich häng mit Kumpels ab.
• 3. Silvester is schee.
• 4. I feier mit Freind.
• 5. Ich liebe das Feuerwerk an Silvester.

Exercise 6: Translate and Transform (Standard to Colloquial)

Translate the following Standard German sentences into Colloquial German, using slang or informal expressions. Provide a brief explanation of the changes.

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Was machst du an Silvester?
• 3. Ich mag Silvester.
• 4. Ich feiere mit Freunden.

Solutions:

• 1. Colloquial: Feierst’n Weihnachten?
  Explanation: “Feierst du” becomes “feierst’n” with a contraction for casual tone.
• 2. Colloquial: Was machst’n an Silvester?
  Explanation: “Machst du” becomes “machst’n” for informal phrasing.
• 3. Colloquial: Silvester is’ cool.
  Explanation: “Ich mag” is replaced with “is’ cool” for a slangy vibe.
• 4. Colloquial: Ich häng mit Kumpels ab.
  Explanation: “Feiere mit Freunden” becomes “häng mit Kumpels ab” for a relaxed, slangy tone.

Exercise 7: Create Your Own Dialogue (Mixed Dialects)

Write a short dialogue (4-6 lines) between two people talking about celebrations, traditions, or holiday plans, using one of the following styles: Standard German, Colloquial German, Bavarian, or Swabian. Include at least one celebration-related term (e.g., Weihnachten, Silvester, Feuerwerk) and one phrase from the vocabulary section. Provide the translation into English.

Example:

• Style: Colloquial German
• Person 1: Hey, feierst’n Weihnachten?
• Person 2: Klar, Weihnachten is’ geil!
• Person 1: Was machst’n an Silvester?
• Person 2: Ich häng mit Kumpels ab und guck Feuerwerk.
• Translation:
• Person 1: Hey, do you celebrate Christmas?
• Person 2: Sure, Christmas is awesome!
• Person 1: What do you do on New Year’s Eve?
• Person 2: I hang out with friends and watch fireworks.

Exercise 8: Multiple Choice (Dialect Identification)

Identify the dialect of the following sentences.

• 1. Feierst’n Weihnachtn?
  A. Standard German   B. Colloquial German   C. Bavarian   D. Swabian
• 2. Feierst du Weihnachten?
  A. Standard German   B. Colloquial German   C. Bavarian   D. Swabian
• 3. Feierst’n Weihnachten?
  A. Standard German   B. Colloquial German   C. Bavarian   D. Swabian
• 4. Feierst’n Weihnachta?
  A. Standard German   B. Colloquial German   C. Bavarian   D. Swabian

Solutions:

• 1. Feierst’n Weihnachtn? – C. Bavarian
• 2. Feierst du Weihnachten? – A. Standard German
• 3. Feierst’n Weihnachten? – B. Colloquial German
• 4. Feierst’n Weihnachta? – D. Swabian

Exercise 9: Vocabulary Substitution (Regional Dialects)

Rewrite the following Standard German sentences by substituting key words with their Bavarian or Swabian equivalents.

• 1. Feierst du Weihnachten?
• 2. Was machst du an Silvester?
• 3. Ich mag Silvester.
• 4. Ich feiere mit Freunden.

Solutions:

• 1. Bavarian: Feierst’n Weihnachtn?
  Swabian: Feierst’n Weihnachta?
• 2. Bavarian: Was machst’n an Silvester?
  Swabian: Was machst’n an Silvester?
• 3. Bavarian: Silvester is schee.
  Swabian: Silvester isch sche.
• 4. Bavarian: I feier mit Freind.
  Swabian: I feier mit Freind.

Exercise 10: Comprehension and Writing (Reading-Based)

Based on the reading passages (Text 1: Standard German and Text 2: Colloquial German), answer the following questions in complete sentences using either Standard German or Colloquial German. Then, write a short 3-4 sentence paragraph in the same style describing a similar scene (e.g., someone talking about a celebration).

• 1. What is the setting of each reading passage?
• 2. Who is talking about celebrations?
• 3. What celebration is mentioned in each passage?

Example Response (Colloquial German):

• 1. Text 1 is im Park, Text 2 is in ’nem Café.
• 2. In Text 1 quatscht Anna über Feste, in Text 2 ’n Typ.
• 3. In Text 1 is’s Weihnachten, in Text 2 Silvester.
• Paragraph: Im Café is voll chillig! ’n Typ fragt, feierst’n Weihnachten? Dann quatschen sie über Silvester und Feuerwerk.

📖 Reading Passages

Text 1: A Christmas Discussion (Standard German)

Es ist ein kalter Dezembertag im Park. Anna trifft ihre Freundin Lisa. „Feierst du Weihnachten?“ fragt Anna. „Ja, ich liebe Weihnachten,“ antwortet Lisa. „Welches Fest magst du am liebsten?“ fragt Anna. „Silvester, wegen dem Feuerwerk,“ sagt Lisa. Beide genießen die festliche Stimmung.

📝 Translation

It’s a cold December day in the park. Anna meets her friend Lisa. “Do you celebrate Christmas?” Anna asks. “Yes, I love Christmas,” Lisa replies. “Which festival do you like best?” Anna asks. “New Year’s Eve, because of the fireworks,” Lisa says. Both enjoy the festive atmosphere.

📘 Glossary

Term: Kalter Dezembertag

Meaning: Cold December day

Term: Park

Meaning: Park

Term: Freundin

Meaning: Friend (female)

Term: Feierst du Weihnachten

Meaning: Do you celebrate Christmas

Term: Ich liebe Weihnachten

Meaning: I love Christmas

Term: Welches Fest magst du am liebsten

Meaning: Which festival do you like best

Term: Silvester

Meaning: New Year’s Eve

Term: Feuerwerk

Meaning: Fireworks

Term: Genießen

Meaning: Enjoy

Term: Festliche Stimmung

Meaning: Festive atmosphere

🧩 Comprehension Questions

• What is the setting of the passage?
• Who is asking about celebrations?
• What celebrations are mentioned?
• Why does Lisa like Silvester?
• How is the atmosphere described?

Solutions

• The setting is a park on a cold December day.
• Anna is asking about celebrations.
• The celebrations mentioned are Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Lisa likes Silvester because of the fireworks.
• The atmosphere is described as festive.

Text 2: A Chill Chat About New Year’s (Colloquial German)

Is’ ’n entspannter Abend im Café. ’n Typ plaudert mit seinen Kumpels. „Feierst’n Weihnachten?“ fragt er. „Klar, Weihnachten is’ geil,“ sagt ein Kumpel. „Welches Fest findst’n am besten?“ fragt der Typ. „Silvester is’ cool, wegen dem Feuerwerk,“ grinst ein Kumpel. Alle haben Spaß und quatschen weiter.

📝 Translation

It’s a relaxed evening in the café. A guy chats with his buddies. “Do you celebrate Christmas?” he asks. “Sure, Christmas is awesome,” a buddy says. “Which festival do you like best?” the guy asks. “New Year’s Eve is cool, because of the fireworks,” a buddy grins. Everyone’s having fun and keeps talking.

📘 Glossary

Term: Entspannter Abend

Meaning: Relaxed evening

Term: Café

Meaning: Café

Term: Typ

Meaning: Guy

Term: Plaudert

Meaning: Chats

Term: Kumpels

Meaning: Buddies

Term: Feierst’n Weihnachten

Meaning: Do you celebrate Christmas

Term: Weihnachten is’ geil

Meaning: Christmas is awesome

Term: Welches Fest findst’n am besten

Meaning: Which festival do you like best

Term: Silvester is’ cool

Meaning: New Year’s Eve is cool

Term: Feuerwerk

Meaning: Fireworks

Term: Grinst

Meaning: Grins

Term: Haben Spaß

Meaning: Have fun

Term: Quatschen

Meaning: Chat

🧪 Comprehension Questions

• What is the setting of the passage?
• Who is asking about celebrations?
• What celebrations are mentioned?
• Why is Silvester considered cool?
• How is the atmosphere described?

Solutions

• The setting is a café on a relaxed evening.
• A guy is asking about celebrations.
• The celebrations mentioned are Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Silvester is considered cool because of the fireworks.
• The atmosphere is described as fun and chatty.