Feiertags

Feiertags is the bound form of the noun Feiertag (holiday). It is not commonly used as a standalone noun; the standard plural for the holiday itself is Feiertage. The form Feiertags appears in compound terms such as Feiertagsgeld (holiday pay), Feiertagsregelung (holiday regulation) or Feiertagsruhe (holiday rest), where it functions as an attributive element describing a holiday-related concept.

Feiertage are days designated by law or tradition as days of rest, observance, or special significance. They can be categorized as gesetzliche Feiertage (public or legal holidays), which are officially recognized and typically include a day off for many workers; religious holidays tied to a faith’s calendar; and regional or local observances that apply only in certain jurisdictions. The exact list and scope of Feiertage vary between countries and even within federal states or cantons.

In German-speaking countries, there is a mix of nationwide and regionally specific Feiertage. Common examples include Christmas and first and second Christmas days, New Year’s Day, and various religious or historical commemorations. The observance of a Feiertag—whether schools close, whether businesses pause, and whether holiday pay applies—depends on local law, employer policies, and collective agreements. Feiertage thus reflect a combination of religious tradition, historical events, and regional identity, and they are typically reflected in calendars, schedules, and public life.