Bonus-szene aus GZSZ: Katrin und Tobias im Gespräch

What does “Feierabend” mean in German?

Despite the word “Feier” (celebration), “Feierabend” has nothing to do with parties — it simply means the end of your workday and the free time after it. So “Ich habe Feierabend” means “I’m done for the day.” Germans use it for both the moment work ends and the whole relaxing evening that follows, so it covers clocking out and kicking back.

In the clip: “Ich habe Feierabend.” — “I’m off work / I’ve finished for the day.” It’s said right after being asked to keep working, as a calm way to say no. “Schönen Feierabend!” — “Have a nice evening off!” People say this to each other when leaving work. “Ich mache jetzt Feierabend.” — “I’m stopping work now / calling it a day.” “Nach Feierabend treffen wir uns.” — “We’ll meet up after work.” Usage notes: “Feierabend” is always one word and always a noun. The “Feier” part comes from an older sense of “Feier” meaning a rest or a pause — not a party. Common verbs: “haben” (Ich habe Feierabend = I’m off the clock) and “machen” (Feierabend machen = to finish work).