Jahrestag

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Commemorating the anniversary of a significant event, often marked by reflection and celebration
2. A day that honors the repetition of a noteworthy occurrence, frequently involving ceremonies or traditions
3. An annual observance to remember a particular milestone or occasion, typically featuring gatherings or special activities

Etymology: "Jahrestag" is a German compound built from "Jahr," meaning "year," and "Tag," meaning "day," so it literally means "year-day." The sense is a fixed calendar date that recurs each year, which is why German uses it for the anniversary of any event: the day on which something happened, come round again. A birthday, a wedding date, or the anniversary of a national event all fall under this one word. The compound is entirely transparent, so there is no hidden story of coinage or borrowing here. Its meaning has stayed close to its literal parts, which is unusual for a word describing a commemoration. Speakers do not need to know the etymology to use it, but seeing "year" and "day" in it makes clear that the idea of anniversary is simply the annual return of a date.

Synonyms: anniversary, commemoration