German Phrase
Weihnachten ist im Dezember.
Meaning
This straightforward sentence identifies the month in which Christmas occurs. It serves as a foundational example of how to state when events or holidays happen using months in German.
When to use
This phrase is used in basic conversations about the calendar, holidays, or seasons. It is most common in educational settings or when explaining traditions to someone unfamiliar with the holiday's timing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WeihnachtenistimDezember
Weihnachten
This noun is usually used without an article when referring to the holiday as a general concept.
im
This is a contraction of 'in dem'. It is the standard way to express 'in' with months and seasons in the dative case.
🗨In Conversation
Wann ist eigentlich das Fest?
When is the festival, actually?
Weihnachten ist im Dezember.
Christmas is in December.
✕Common Mistakes
Weihnachten ist in Dezember.
In German, months require the contraction 'im' (in dem) rather than the simple preposition 'in'.
Weihnachten ist am Dezember.
'Am' is used for specific days or dates, whereas 'im' is used for months and seasons.
↔Alternatives
Im Dezember feiert man Weihnachten.
In December, people celebrate Christmas.
Das Weihnachtsfest findet im Dezember statt.
The Christmas festival takes place in December.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, the most important day of the Christmas season is 'Heiligabend' (Christmas Eve) on December 24th. This is when families gather for a special meal and exchange gifts, unlike the morning of the 25th as seen in the US or UK.