Why do I need to know Herbstferien?
Die Herbstferien means autumn holidays, the short school break that usually falls at the end of October or early November. The term is familiar across all German-speaking countries, but its timing and duration vary.
In Austria, Herbstferien were only introduced nationwide in 2020, when the government standardised what had previously been a patchwork of regional days off.
Today, pupils across Austria enjoy a week-long break – a welcome pause before the long winter term begins. For many families, it’s a time for short trips, hikes, or simply staying home and enjoying the Altweibersommer if the weather holds.
What does it mean?
The word Herbstferien (pronounced like this) is a straightforward compound of Herbst (autumn) and Ferien (holidays or school break). It’s plural, so you always say die Herbstferien sind rather than ist.
While the word is the same in Germany and Switzerland, the school calendars differ. German states (Bundesländer) set their own Herbstferien dates – sometimes only a few days long – while Austrian schools now follow the same national schedule.
In dialects, you won’t often find a special version; people might just say Ferien or Schulferien in casual conversation.
Use it like this:
Während der Herbstferien fahren viele Familien in die Berge.
(During the autumn holidays, many families go to the mountains.)
Die Kinder freuen sich schon auf die Herbstferien.
(The children are already looking forward to the autumn holidays.)
In Wien dauern die Herbstferien heuer eine ganze Woche.
(In Vienna, the autumn holidays last a whole week this year.)
Whether you’re a parent planning a getaway or a student counting down the days, Herbstferien is one of those words that signals rest, family time – and the first real taste of the Austrian winter ahead.
Comments