Fastnacht

Shrove Tuesday; carnival eve

noun FAST-nakht Rare

Origin: from Middle High German vastnaht (the night before the fast)

Also means

pre-Lent carnival

Usage Note

Fastnacht is the south-western German and Swiss term for the carnival festivities preceding Lent, equivalent to Karneval in the Rhineland or Fasching in Bavaria. Known for elaborate masks and parades: die Fastnacht feiern.

Examples

"In Mainz wird die Fastnacht mit großen Umzügen gefeiert."

Natural Translation

In Mainz, Fastnacht is celebrated with large parades.

Literal Translation

In Mainz is the Fastnacht with large processions celebrated.

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