German Word of the Week
Feierabend
Germans take the end of the workday seriously — so seriously they have a word for it. der Feierabend literally means “celebration evening,” and it’s both the moment you clock off and the relaxed free time that follows. Learn it and you’ll understand a little of the German soul.
What it means
1. The end of the working day — clocking-off time. „Ich habe um fünf Feierabend.“ = “I finish work at five.”
2. The free, relaxing time after work. Feierabend is also the mood — the evening is yours now. „Schönen Feierabend!“ is a daily send-off between colleagues.
In real sentences
Tap 🔊 to hear each one.
Schönen Feierabend!
Have a nice evening! (said when leaving work)
Ich mache jetzt Feierabend.
I’m clocking off now.
Nach Feierabend gehe ich joggen.
After work I go jogging.
Jetzt ist Feierabend!
That’s enough now! / I’m done for the day!
Word family
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Feierabend machen | to finish work / clock off |
| der Feierabendverkehr | the evening rush-hour traffic |
| das Feierabendbier | the after-work beer |
| Schönen Feierabend! | Have a good evening! (after work) |
A word that protects your time
„Feierabend“ literally means “celebration evening.” Germans clock off and guard their post-work time fiercely — the emails can wait. Saying „Schönen Feierabend!“ as you leave is a small, lovely daily ritual worth stealing.
Want a word like this to stick? Use it out loud with a native tutor on italki — that’s when new vocabulary becomes yours.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Building your foundation? The German Grammar Essentials workbook makes the rules simple.
Get the workbook — $9📚 More words: browse the Word of the Week collection.
Free download
Get the free Survival German Cheat Sheet
Enjoying this? Get the 45+ essential phrases as a free printable — plus new guides, quizzes and words by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.