Silvesternacht

New Year's Eve night

noun zil-VES-ter-nakht Rare

Origin: from Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on 31 December

Usage Note

Silvesternacht specifically refers to the night of 31 December into 1 January. It is distinct from Silvester (New Year's Eve as a day) in that it emphasises the nocturnal celebrations with fireworks and parties: in der Silvesternacht um Mitternacht.

Examples

"In der Silvesternacht explodierten um Mitternacht tausende von Feuerwerkskörpern."

Natural Translation

On New Year's Eve night, thousands of fireworks exploded at midnight.

Literal Translation

In the New-Year's-Eve-night, thousands of fireworks exploded at midnight.

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