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Karneval

carnival, Mardi Gras

noun kar-ne-VAHL Rare
Arts & Culture Traditions

Origin: from Italian carnevale, possibly from Latin carne vale (farewell to meat)

Usage Note

Karneval is the term used primarily in the Rhineland (Cologne, Düsseldorf) for the pre-Lenten carnival season. The same festival is called Fasching in Bavaria and Fastnacht in south-west Germany; all feature costumes, parades, and satirical speeches.

Examples

"Zu Karneval verkleiden sich viele Kölner und tanzen durch die Straßen."

Natural Translation

At carnival many people from Cologne dress up and dance through the streets.

Literal Translation

At carnival disguise themselves many Cologne-people and dance through the streets.

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