German Month Names and Their Origins383

The names of the months in German are a fascinating blend of ancient Germanic traditions, Roman influences, and Christian symbolism. Each month carries its own unique meaning and history, providing a window into the cultural and linguistic heritage of the German-speaking world.

January: Januar

January, known as "Januar" in German, is named after the Roman god Janus. Janus was depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking back, symbolizing the transition between the old and new year. The month's name reflects this concept, as it marks the beginning of a new calendar cycle.

February: Februar

February, or "Februar," derives its name from the Latin word "februare," meaning "to purify." The ancient Romans celebrated a festival called Februa during this month, during which they performed rituals to cleanse and purify the city. In German folklore, February is associated with the goddess Februa, who was believed to bring fertility and healing.

March: März

"März," the German name for March, is believed to have originated from the Old High German word "Marteo," which means "Mars." Mars was the Roman god of war, and the month was named after him to honor his military prowess. In ancient Germanic traditions, March was also seen as a time of battle and preparation for spring.

April: April

April, known as "April" in German, is named after the Latin word "aperire," meaning "to open." This refers to the opening of flowers and the arrival of spring. In German folklore, April is associated with the goddess Ostara, who was celebrated as the bringer of new life and fertility.

May: Mai

May, or "Mai" in German, is named after the Roman goddess Maia, who was associated with growth and fertility. In ancient Rome, May was celebrated as a month of festivals and celebrations in honor of Maia. German folklore also celebrates May as a time of love and courtship.

June: Juni

June, known as "Juni" in German, is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter and the protector of marriage and childbirth. In German tradition, June is seen as a month for weddings and romance.

July: Juli

July, or "Juli" in German, is named after Julius Caesar, the Roman general and statesman. Caesar reformed the Roman calendar, adding an extra month in honor of himself. This month was originally called "Quintilis," meaning "fifth," but was later renamed to July.

August: August

August, known as "August" in German, is named after the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. Augustus reformed the Roman calendar, making August the eighth month instead of the sixth. In German folklore, August is associated with the harvest and the end of summer.

September: September

"September," the German name for September, comes from the Latin word "septem," meaning "seven." This reflects the fact that September was the seventh month in the original Roman calendar. In German tradition, September is seen as a time of transition and preparation for autumn.

October: Oktober

October, known as "Oktober" in German, comes from the Latin word "octo," meaning "eight." Originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar, October became the tenth month after Julius Caesar's calendar reform. In German folklore, October is associated with the harvest and the beginning of winter.

November: November

November, or "November" in German, comes from the Latin word "novem," meaning "nine." This reflects the fact that November was the ninth month in the original Roman calendar. In German tradition, November is seen as a month of remembrance and introspection.

December: Dezember

December, known as "Dezember" in German, comes from the Latin word "decem," meaning "ten." Originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar, December became the twelfth month after Julius Caesar's calendar reform. In German folklore, December is associated with the winter solstice and the celebration of Christmas.

2025-02-04

Previous：How to Pronounce Breathe in Korean

Next：New Horizon Japanese Textbook Vocabulary