Urlauber

Urlauber is a German noun that designates a person who is on vacation or holiday. In English, the closest terms are holidaymaker or vacationer. The word is common in German-speaking countries and appears in media, travel industry, and statistical reports about tourism.

Etymology and nuance: Urlauber is formed from Urlaub (holiday, vacation) plus the agent suffix -er. Although the verb form urlauben exists, it is uncommon; more typical phrases are Urlaub nehmen (to take vacation) or in den Urlaub fahren (to go on holiday).

Usage: Urlauber are a standard category in tourism statistics and hotel and travel industry language. Die Urlauberzahlen (the number of holidaymakers) are tracked to measure demand, while advertising often targets Urlauber as a primary audience. The term emphasizes the act of taking a break from work, rather than the holiday period itself, which is more related to Ferien (holidays, breaks, school holidays) in everyday speech.

See also: Urlaub, Ferien, Tourismus, Reisende; in English, holidaymaker or vacationer.