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GERMAN WORD OF THE DAY

German Advent word of the day: Der Krampus

If you find yourself in Germany's Alpine regions during Christmas time, watch out for these horned creatures!

Published: 8 December 2019 05:12 CET
German Advent word of the day: Der Krampus
Photo: Depositphotos

Two Krampuses pose for a photograph at the Krampuslauf in Munich. Photo: DPA.

The Krampus is a horned, half-demon figure who is spotted during the Christmas season in Central European folklore. There are many variations across Europe on the figure’s appearance and behavior. 

He is especially popular in southern Germany and in the Alpine regions. In these areas the Krampus accompany St. Nicholas and his companion Knecht Ruprecht, whom you can learn more about tomorrow by reading our Advent word of the day. 

Der Krampus is the opposite of St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children in Catholicism. Rather than rewarding the good children for their behavior throughout the year like St. Nicholas, folklore says that Krampus punishes the bad children, often taking them to his layer in the mountains. 

There are several theories about the origin of the Krampus figure, and it is likely that the legend is based on early mythology. The figure bears similarities to creatures in both Norse and Greek mythology. He is typically represented as a half-goat, half-demonic beast with a lolling tongue and fangs. 

One of the Krampus groups prepares to begin their run through Munich's Marienplatz. Photo: DPA.

Traditionally on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, young men dress up in elaborate (and often very weighty and expensive) Krampus costumes and run through Munich’s Marienplatz Christmas market, as well as to homes and businesses.

This event constitutes the Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, and takes place this year on December 8th, with an expected 25 different guest Krampus groups. 

Even the Krampuses get tired! Young men take a rest from their weighty costumes. Photo: DPA. 

Example Sentences: 

Ich habe immer Angst vor dem Krampuslauf in München. 

I’m always afraid of the Krampus run in Munich.

Die Krampusnacht ist eine beliebte alpine Weihnachtstradition. 

The night of the Krampuses is a beloved alpine Christmas tradition.

In diesem Jahr erwartet die Stadt München 25 Krampus-Gastgruppen. Das sind so viele Krampusse!

This year the city of Munich expects 25 guest Krampus groups. That is so many Krampuses!

 

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GERMAN WORD OF THE DAY

German word of the day: Toi, toi, toi

If a friend or family member is doing something brave like performing on stage you will need this German expression.

Published: 18 September 2024 13:07 CEST
German word of the day: Toi, toi, toi

Why do I need to know toi, toi, toi?

Because this expression is fun to say and it’s perfect for showing how much you support someone. 

What does it mean?

Toi, toi, toi! , which sounds like this, is a colloquial expression used by Germans to wish someone good luck. Similar to the English phrase “break a leg”, toi, toi toi is often used in the context of stage performances. It can sometimes be used to mean “touch wood” or “knock on wood”. 

However, nowadays you can also use it in another scenarios such as when your friend is about to do a test or a job interview – so basically whenever you want to encourage someone to perform well. You can also of course wish someone good luck or viel Glück (but don’t say to this to performers – more on that below).

The background to toi, toi, toi is an interesting one because it stems from superstition. 

Traditionally, many cultures believed spitting three times warded off evil and bad influences. 

But as this can be quite rude, people began making the spitting noise instead, which sounds a bit like repeating the letter: t, which in turn has turned into toi, toi, toi in German. So it is an onomatopoeic expression which essentially means: no bad luck. 

This was especially important during performances such as at the opera or theatre. Since it was taboo in superstition to wish each other luck directly, the way to do it was to hug each other, spit over the other person’s shoulder and say “toi, toi, toi”.

Meanwhile, some linguists interpret toi toi toi as “teu, teu, teu” which would be a nod to the devil – Teufel in German. By saying this, it’s argued that the devil will feel appreciated and nothing will stand in the way of a person’s desired happiness.

And by the way, after someone has wished you toi, toi, toi in the theatre context, you’re not to meant to say anything. Instead, keep silent and go ahead and smash your performance. 

We’ve no idea if actors in Germany do the spitting today or if they stick to just saying: toi, toi, toi!

Use it like this:

Ich mache morgen meinen Einbürgerungstest.

I’m doing my citizenship test tomorrow.

Na, dann toi, toi, toi!

Well then, good luck!

Bisher hat alles gut geklappt – toi, toi, toi.

So far it has all worked out well – touch wood!

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