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Seasons Greetings

German translation: "ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"

07:21 Nov 3, 2000
English to German translations [Non-PRO]
English term or phrase: Seasons Greetings
For use on a Christmas card.
Any help would be appreciated.
Claire
Claire
German translation:"ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"
Explanation:
The phrase "Season's Greetings" first came into use many years ago in the USA because the "Merry Christmas" part of "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" was no longer considered "politically correct" (although the phrase "politically correct" had not been coined at that time). "Merry Christmas" was felt to be too Christianity oriented. Americans send out hundreds of cards to everyone they know in early December, which meant they needed a phrase on the card that could be suitable for anyone. Many major religions have important holidays during December and January, so one could send a card to anyone of any religion with the phrase "Season's Greetings" = "schöne Grüße zur Festjahreszeit / Feiertagsjahreszeit". Of course, no one would ever say anything like that in German. For sure though, the second holiday, New Year's Day must be included, so your translation should be something like:

"ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"

- HTH - Dan
Selected response from:

Dan McCrosky (X)
Local time: 09:15
Grading comment
Thanks to all for the helpful answers and explanations
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
naFrohe Weihnachten
Evert DELOOF-SYS
nabeste Grüße zur Weihnachtszeit
Denise Gaioni
na"ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"
Dan McCrosky (X)
naliterally translated:Weihnachtsgruesse, better and most commonly used in German:Frohe Weihnachten
lindau


  

Answers


15 mins
Frohe Weihnachten


Explanation:
is used a lot

Frohe Weihnachten und ein erfolgreiches Jahr !

Merry X-mas and a successful year...

www.cs.umb.edu/~alilley/xmas.html

Evert DELOOF-SYS
Belgium
Local time: 09:15
Native speaker of: Native in DutchDutch, Native in FlemishFlemish
PRO pts in pair: 28
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21 mins
beste Grüße zur Weihnachtszeit


Explanation:
das ist alles ein bisschen Geschmackssache, als Alternative siehe oben

Denise Gaioni
Italy
Local time: 09:15
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in pair: 8
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15 hrs
"ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"


Explanation:
The phrase "Season's Greetings" first came into use many years ago in the USA because the "Merry Christmas" part of "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" was no longer considered "politically correct" (although the phrase "politically correct" had not been coined at that time). "Merry Christmas" was felt to be too Christianity oriented. Americans send out hundreds of cards to everyone they know in early December, which meant they needed a phrase on the card that could be suitable for anyone. Many major religions have important holidays during December and January, so one could send a card to anyone of any religion with the phrase "Season's Greetings" = "schöne Grüße zur Festjahreszeit / Feiertagsjahreszeit". Of course, no one would ever say anything like that in German. For sure though, the second holiday, New Year's Day must be included, so your translation should be something like:

"ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches neues Jahr"

- HTH - Dan


Dan McCrosky (X)
Local time: 09:15
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in pair: 390
Grading comment
Thanks to all for the helpful answers and explanations

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
Sibyl Marquardt
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2 days 1 hr
literally translated:Weihnachtsgruesse, better and most commonly used in German:Frohe Weihnachten


Explanation:
German native with lots of christmas experience!

lindau
PRO pts in pair: 15
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