In German
Urlaub
Meaning: vacation (time off work)
Example sentences
WirfahrenimSommerindenUrlaub.
We're going on vacation in the summer.
IchbrauchedringendUrlaub.
I urgently need a vacation.
Grammar note
“Der Urlaub” is masculine, and specifically means time off from work (annual leave). “Die Ferien” (always plural) is used for school/university breaks instead — the two are not interchangeable.
Common mistake
Don't use “Ferien” when an adult means their work vacation — “Urlaub” is for employees taking leave, “Ferien” is for students on school break.
Quick check
Which German word means “vacation” (time off work)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between “Urlaub” and “Ferien”?
“Urlaub” is an employee's time off work; “Ferien” is a school or university break.
How do you say “go on vacation”?
“In den Urlaub fahren”.