How to Say ‘They are looking forward to the holidays.’ in German
Sie freuen sich auf die Ferien.
zee FROY-en zikh owf dee FAIR-ee-en
[zee FROY-en zikh owf dee FAIR-ee-en]
💬 Usage Tip: [sich freuen] needs [sich], and the preposition changes the meaning: [auf] for something coming, [über] for something already here. That contrast is worth learning as a pair.
Phrase Breakdown
Sie freuen sich
zee FROY-en zikh
they are looking forward / they are happy
Reflexive verb meaning to be pleased or to look forward to something.
Ich freue mich auf den Urlaub.
I am looking forward to the vacation.
Words in this phrase
Sie
[zee]
they
Here it refers to several people, likely the children in context.
Sie besuchen ihre Großeltern bald.
They are visiting their grandparents soon.
freuen
[FROY-en]
are happy, look forward
With 'auf', it means to look forward to something in the future.
Die Kinder freuen sich auf den Urlaub.
The children are looking forward to the vacation.
sich
[zikh]
themselves
Reflexive pronoun required by the verb 'sich freuen'.
Sie freuen sich jedes Jahr auf den Sommer.
They look forward to the summer every year.
Auf die Ferien
owf dee FAIR-ee-en
to the holidays / vacation
'auf' with the accusative here shows anticipation toward something in the future.
Wir freuen uns auf die Ferien.
We are looking forward to the holidays.
Words in this phrase
auf
[owf]
for, toward, on
In this phrase it belongs to 'sich freuen auf' = 'to look forward to'.
Wir freuen uns auf euren Besuch.
We are looking forward to your visit.
die
[dee]
the
Accusative plural article before 'Ferien'.
Die Ferien sind schon geplant.
The holidays are already planned.
Ferien
[FAIR-ee-en]
holidays, vacation
Refers to a vacation period or school holidays.
Die Ferien am Meer werden sicher schön.
The holidays by the sea will surely be nice.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager