German Words Explained  
   
 
Transcripts
 
 
 
 
Get the Käseigel Transcript!
 
 


Maifeiertag

Maifeiertag is the name given to the first (1st) day of May, known in English as May Day. It is also known in Germany as the Tag der Arbeit.

It is a public holiday, but unlike in some other countries it always falls on the 1st and is not moved to accommodate weekends.

The day was first celebrated in Germany during the time of the Weimar Republic in 1919, but it was not until 1933 that the bank holiday status was confirmed as being an annual event.

Traditionally Maibäume as erected for this day. Some of these are highly decorated, others resemble maypoles with coloured ribbons.

In the cities, however, the day is more political with demonstrations for workers’ rights.

Most people spend the day with their families.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Tags: ,

5 Responses to “Maifeiertag”

  1. German Words Explained » Blog Archive » Christi Himmelfahrt Says:

    […] « Maifeiertag […]

  2. The Monday Podcast » Blog Archive » Frankfurt-Eschborn Cityloop Says:

    […] year on 1st May (Maifeiertag) the main road out of Oberursel is closed off for a cycle race which this year was re-named as the […]

  3. AllThingsGerman.net » Blog Archive » Frankfurt-Eschborn Cityloop Says:

    […] year on 1st May (Maifeiertag) the main road out of Oberursel is closed off for a cycle race which this year was re-named as the […]

  4. Public Holidays 1 | Bank Holidays | German Words Explained Says:

    […] Maifeiertag […]

  5. Pension Sprachschule Maria Shipley » Blog Archive » Public Holidays 1 Says:

    […] Maifeiertag […]


 

Please click on ACCEPT to give us permission to set cookies [more information]

This website uses cookies to give you the best browsing experience possible. Cookies are small text files that are stored by the web browser on your computer. Most of the cookies that we use are so-called “Session cookies”. These are automatically deleted after your visit. The cookies do not damage your computer system or contain viruses. Please read our privacy information page for more details or to revoke permission.

Close