As the winter season wraps much of the globe in a snowy blanket, those who are learning German might find joy in expanding their vocabulary with words that capture the essence of this chilly time of year. Here are some seasonal German words that resonate with the winter spirit, complete with their definitions and example sentences to help you understand them in context.

Schnee
Schnee means “snow” and is a quintessential winter word in German. It refers to the white, flaky precipitation that falls from the sky when temperatures drop.
Es schneit heute, deshalb ist alles mit Schnee bedeckt.

Glatteis
Glatteis refers to “black ice,” the thin, nearly invisible coating of ice that can form on surfaces and is notorious for being slippery.
Sei vorsichtig auf dem Weg zur Arbeit; es kann Glatteis geben.

Weihnachten
Weihnachten is the German term for “Christmas” and one of the most beloved winter holidays in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
An Weihnachten kommen alle Familienmitglieder zusammen.

Winterjacke
The term Winterjacke translates to “winter jacket,” an essential piece of clothing to stay warm during the cold months.
Vergiss nicht, deine Winterjacke anzuziehen, es ist eiskalt draußen.

Heizung
Heizung means “heating” or “heater,” vital for maintaining warmth indoors when the winter chill sets in.
Kannst du die Heizung aufdrehen? Mir ist kalt.

Schlitten
A Schlitten is a “sled” or “sledge,” a popular item for outdoor winter fun, especially among children.
Die Kinder freuen sich darauf, mit ihrem Schlitten den Hügel hinunterzufahren.

Rutschig
Rutschig translates to “slippery,” which is how many surfaces become in winter, whether from ice, snow, or slush.
Die Straßen sind rutschig, also fahr bitte langsam.

Frost
Frost denotes the thin layer of ice crystals that forms on surfaces when the dew or water vapor in the air freezes.
Als ich heute Morgen aufgewacht bin, war alles von Frost überzogen.

Kamin
A Kamin is a “fireplace” where a fire can be lit for heat and ambiance, adding a cozy feel to any home during the winter.
Am Abend ein Buch vor dem Kamin zu lesen, ist der perfekte Wintergenuss.

Zimtstern
Zimtstern is a “cinnamon star,” a type of cookie commonly made during the German holiday season, featuring cinnamon as the primary flavor.
Zimtsterne gehören zu meinen Lieblingsweihnachtsplätzchen.

Winterwunderland
Winterwunderland translates to “winter wonderland” and describes an idyllic, snowy landscape that looks like something out of a fairytale.
Nach dem großen Schneefall sieht der ganze Park aus wie ein Winterwunderland.

Learning these seasonal German words can both expand your vocabulary and help you better immerse yourself in the culture and experiences that come with winter in German-speaking countries. Whether you’re discussing the weather, planning winter activities, or celebrating the holidays, these terms will surely come in handy. Stay warm and viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen (have fun learning German)!