Dates + Years
Nikolaustag takes place on this day
In this part of Germany, Nikolaus has the "traditional," bishop-like appearance (with a proper hat, staff, etc.)
The south (Süddeutschland)
German kids use these to collect gifts from Nikolaus
Boots, but also shoes, stockings, or hats
to set
setzen
historische Personen
historical persons / people
The official Christmas holiday in Germany lasts this many days.
Two (25. + 26. Dezember)
This figure was *originally* the gift-bringer on Christmas Day.
Nikolaus!
This is where kids leave their item out for Nikolaus to find
Outside the door, sometimes of their room or the house; in some cases, they can be hung near the window as well
door
(die) Tür; (das) Türchen for a little door on an 'Adventskalender'
Bischof
bishop
The first of the two Saints named Nikolaus lived during this time.
The 3rd century (im 3. Jahrhundert; this was 'Nikolaus von Myra')
This figure is *now* the gift-bringer on Christmas day (if you follow the more "spiritual" side of the story)
Das Christkind
Nowadays, this is something kids commonly get as a gift from Nikolaus
Sweets and chocolates, including chocolate Nikolaus figures (Süßigkeiten und Schokolade)
gifts
Geschenke
gut und böse
good and bad
The other Saint named Nikolaus lived during this time.
The 6th century (im 6. Jahrhundert; this was 'Nikolaus von Sion')
One of the two Saints named Nikolaus, from whom the Christmas figure is derived, lived in what is now this country
Turkey (die Türkei)
Nikolaus has one of these where he keeps track of kids' behavior over the year
A golden book (Im goldenen Buch steht...)
boots
Stiefel
mythisch
From this time period onward, Nikolaustag was celebrated on the day we've learned.
This man is largely responsible for Protestant divide in the Catholic Church, in the process altering how Germans celebrate Christmas
Martin Luther
Clean them (putzen)
kids
Kinder
befüllt
fills up