In German
Frohe Weihnachten!
Meaning: merry Christmas
Formal or informal? “Frohe Weihnachten” is the usual wish. “Fröhliche Weihnachten” means the same and is equally common.
Example sentences
FroheWeihnachten!
Merry Christmas!
IchwünscheeuchfroheWeihnachten.
I wish you a merry Christmas.
FroheWeihnachtenundeingutesneuesJahr!
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Grammar note
“Frohe” takes a plural -e ending because it stands alone without an article, and “Weihnachten” is always plural.
Common mistake
Don't say “Frohe Weihnacht” in the singular. The holiday is always plural: “Weihnachten”.
Quick check
Which phrase wishes someone a merry Christmas?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What do you say on Christmas Eve?
“Frohe Weihnachten” also works, or “Schöne Weihnachten” (happy Christmas).
How do you wish a happy new year?
“Ein frohes neues Jahr!” or “Guten Rutsch!” on New Year's Eve.