We are continuing our series of summer posts and this time we travel to Germany to discover some of the secrets and most widely used terms of the German language.

In Germany, as in other parts of the world, the vocabulary linked to this season reflects a passion for enjoying the sun, the holidays and outdoor activities. In this article we will look in detail at German summer vocabulary, giving you a fascinating insight into how the season is experienced in Germany.

1. Strand (beach): summer in Germany is associated with trips to the beach. Spending time on the Baltic or North Sea coast is a very popular activity, even if at first sight the weather might seem unfavourable. Germans enjoy building sandcastles (Sandburgen bauen), sunbathing (sich sonnen), swimming (schwimmen) in the refreshing water and having a picnic on the beach (Strandpicknick). German terms for those concepts and experiences.
2. Sonne (sun): the sun is an essential part of the German summer. Sunny days (sonnige Tage) are made the most of with outdoor activities. Germans enjoy bike rides (Fahrradtouren), hiking (wandern) in the mountains or simply relaxing in the garden (im Garten entspannen) under the warm sun.
3. Urlaub (holidays): summer is the main holiday season in Germany. Many workers take the chance to enjoy a well-earned break. Holiday-related terms include Ferien (holidays), Urlaub machen (to take a holiday), Reisen (to travel) and Erholung (rest). German families commonly plan their Sommerferien (summer holidays) to explore destinations at home or abroad.
4. Eis (ice cream): ice cream is a real treat during the German summer. Germans enjoy a wide variety of flavours (Sorten). From the classic Schokoladeneis (chocolate ice cream) to the refreshing Zitroneneis (lemon ice cream), there is something for every taste. Ice cream terms include Eisdiele (ice cream parlour), Eiskugel (scoop of ice cream) and Eisbecher (ice cream sundae).
5. Grillen (barbecue): barbecues are an essential part of the German summer. Germans enjoy the company of friends and family while preparing delicious food on the grill outdoors. Barbecue terms include Grillparty (barbecue party), Grillabend (barbecue evening) and Grillgut (food for the barbecue).
6. Badesee (bathing lake): as well as the beaches, lakes (Seen) are popular destinations during the German summer. The Badesee (bathing lakes) offer the chance to swim, picnic and relax in a natural setting. Lake-related terms include Baden (to bathe), Wassersport (water sports) and Liegewiese (sunbathing lawn).

German summer vocabulary is wide-ranging. At Alos we offer you this brief introduction to the most widely used terms, along with every option you could want to improve or learn the language.