Fasching | German Words Explained

Aschermittwoch is the German name for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  Although it is not a public holiday, most companies will allow their employees time off during the day to go to church, if they wish to. At church, people are blessed with a cross on the forehead made from the ashes of […] The post Aschermittwoch first appeared on German Words Explained.

The Karnevalsumzug is a procession that takes place during the main week of the Karneval season. Taking place in many German towns, these involve a number of floats from local clubs and societies that often represent current political issues.  Particularly long processions can be seen in towns such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz and Hamburg. Many […] The post Karnevalsumzug first appeared on German Words Explained.

A Karnevalssitzung is the name given to an event that takes place during the Karneval season, usually in the evening. It takes place in a large hall and is organised by a Karnevalsverein.  Although this could be anytime between 11th November and Shrove Tuesday, it is more likely to be in the last week of […] The post Karnevalssitzung first appeared on German Words Explained.

Die Narren sind los! Die Narren is a name given to someone who entertains other people, much like a jester. There are several versions as to where the word comes from. Some believe that it comes from the Latin word nario for turning one’s nose up at something, others claim it comes from narrare – […] The post Die Narren first appeared on German Words Explained.

Berliners are a form of doughnut, often filled with jam. The story of their invention is possibly only a legend, but it is said that they were created by a baker from Berlin who was trying to create something that could be cooked on a battlefield without an oven. He placed the balls of dough […] The post Berliner first appeared on German Words Explained.

Karneval, also known as Fasching or Fastnacht (even Fasnet, Fasnacht or Fasenacht), officially begins on 11th November at 11:11, but it only really gets going after Ephiphany. However the really mad days only start on the Thursday before Rosenmontag, when the main events such as the processions take place. This Thursday is also known as […] The post Karneval – Fasching – Fastnacht first appeared on German Words Explained.

Rosenmontag is the last Monday before Lent. In the main areas where Karneval or Fasching is celebrated, there are parades on this day and many companies give their employees the day off. There are different stories as to how the unusual name came about. One says that it developed from Rasenden Montag, because everything is […] The post Rosenmontag first appeared on German Words Explained.