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Good Friday 2024 in Germany

Many people in Germany mark the crucifixion of Jesus by participating in church services and processions on Good Friday (Karfreitag), which is two days before Easter Sunday. For others, it is the start of a long weekend and possibly a spring vacation.

Is Good Friday a Public Holiday?

Good Friday is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Good Friday symbols include images of the cross used during Jesus' crucifixion.

Good Friday symbols include images of the cross used during Jesus' crucifixion.

©iStockphoto.com/Kalawin

What Do People Do?

Some people attend special church services on Good Friday. It is customary in some churches and areas that the church organ and bells are not played on Good Friday. Instead musical rattles are used to announce the start of the services and accompany the hymns.

Religious processions or plays are held in the open air in many areas. These tell the story of the last events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It is customary to eat fish instead of meat because Good Friday is a fast day for many Christians.

For others, Good Friday is the start of a long weekend that also includes Easter Monday. They may take a short break or longer vacation in Germany or a neighboring country. It is still possible to ski at Easter in some years and regions but in others it is the start of the sailing season. Some high profile car races are also held on Good Friday.

Public Life

Good Friday is a public holiday in all German states. Post offices, banks, stores and other businesses are closed. However, some tourist stores may be open and stores at railway stations, airports and along highways are usually open.

There are some restrictions on selling alcohol, public performances and dancing. Public transport services may run as usual, a reduced service or no service depending on where one lives or wants to travel.

Symbols

Important Good Friday symbols are images of the cross used during Jesus' crucifixion and of Jesus on the cross. The cross that is normally on the altar or wall is placed on a carpet or piece of cloth on the floor in many churches. In areas with a Good Friday procession or play, the cross or crosses used as props may be left in place for the whole Easter weekend.

About Good Friday in Other Countries

Read more about Good Friday.

Good Friday Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019FriApr 19Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2020FriApr 10Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2021FriApr 2Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2022FriApr 15Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2023FriApr 7Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2024FriMar 29Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2025FriApr 18Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2026FriApr 3Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2027FriMar 26Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2028FriApr 14Good FridayNational holiday, Christian
2029FriMar 30Good FridayNational holiday, Christian

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.