Months in German
Learning the names of months in a foreign language is a fundamental part of expanding vocabulary and communication skills. In German, as in many other languages, month names have their own specific sounds and forms. For Poles, who often learn German due to geographical proximity and historical and economic ties, mastering this part of the vocabulary is essential both in everyday conversations and in a professional context. Knowing and understanding the names of the months in German not only makes it easier to organize your time and plan, but also helps you better understand the culture and traditions of German-speaking countries.
| In Polish | In German | Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | January | 1. |
| February | February | 2. |
| March | March | 3. |
| April | April | 4. |
| Maj | May | 5. |
| June | June | 6. |
| July | July | 7. |
| August | August | 8. |
| September | September | 9. |
| October | October | 10. |
| November | November | 11. |
| December | December | 12. |
January
The new year begins with "Januar," which in German-speaking countries is often associated with winter weather. In Austria and Germany, it's carnival time, and in Berlin, the traditional "Silvesterlauf" – a New Year's run – takes place.
February
February, or "Februar," is a month full of carnival parades and celebrations, especially in Cologne. It's also the time for Valentine's Day, a holiday of love celebrated in German-speaking countries as well.
März (March)
March, or "März," brings the first signs of spring. In Germany, the "Spargelzeit" begins, marking the beginning of asparagus season, which is very popular there.
April
April, known as "April", is a month when the weather is very changeable, which the Germans describe with the saying "April, April, der macht, was er will" (April, April, does what it wants).
Mai (Maj)
May, or "Mai," is a month full of blooming flowers and fresh greenery. On May 1st, "Maifeiertag," or Labor Day, is celebrated, often combined with festivals and traditional May Day celebrations.
Juni (June)
June, also known as "Juni," marks the beginning of summer and strawberry season. Germany hosts various outdoor music festivals, such as "Rock am Ring."
Juli (July)
July, or "Juli," is the middle of summer, a time for vacations and holidays. Germans often spend this month on the beaches of the Baltic Sea or traveling around Europe.
August
August is the peak of the holiday season. Germany hosts many festivals, including the renowned "Weinlesefest" (grape harvest festival) in wine-growing regions.
September
September, also known as "September," marks the beginning of autumn. Munich hosts the famous Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, attracting millions of tourists.
Oktober (October)
October, or "Oktober," is the continuation of the Oktoberfest festival and a time for tasting beer and Bavarian delicacies. It's also the time of golden autumn and the grape harvest.
November
November, known as "November," is a time of reflection and contemplation. Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are celebrated, and at the end of the month, the Christmas season begins, with its festive markets.
December
December is the month of Christmas. Traditional Christmas markets are held throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where you can buy handmade crafts, sample mulled wine, and enjoy festive delicacies.
Knowing the names of the months in German is a step towards more fluent communication and a better understanding of the calendar and seasonal events in German-speaking countries. In addition to their practical application in everyday life, mastering these terms opens the door to a deeper understanding of the literature, history and customs of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It's worth taking the time to learn and consolidate these names so you can confidently navigate conversations and texts about different seasons. When learning a foreign language, each new element, such as the names of the months, brings us closer to fuller integration with the culture and community that uses that language.