der Urlaub
Translation
holiday, vacation, leave
Examples
Ich mache im Sommer Urlaub.
I'm going on holiday in the summer.
Er hat zwei Wochen Urlaub genommen.
He took two weeks' leave.
Wir fahren in den Urlaub.
We're going on holiday.
Grammar Patterns
to have/take/go on holiday I have a holiday next week.
to go on holiday (travel) We are going on holiday in August.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Ferien (holidays, esp. school), die Reise (journey)
Etymology
From Old High German 'urloub' (permission). 'ur-' (original) + 'loub' (permission), related to 'erlauben' (to allow). Originally meant 'leave of absence'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'Urlaub' as getting 'Erlaubnis' (permission) to leave work. You ask your boss for 'Urlaub'.