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Questions & Answers about Die Ferien sind lang.
Why is Ferien used in the plural form while in English we say “vacation” in the singular?
In German Ferien is always a plural noun. There is no singular “die Ferien.” Even if you talk about one holiday period, you still say die Ferien.
Why do we use sind instead of ist in this sentence?
Because Ferien is plural, the verb must agree in number. With a plural subject you use sind (they are), not ist (it is).
Why is the definite article die used with Ferien?
Die is the standard definite article for all plural nouns in German (no matter their gender). Since Ferien only exists in the plural, it always takes die.
Why is the adjective lang not lange here?
When an adjective follows a linking verb like sein, it acts as a predicate adjective and remains uninflected. That’s why it’s simply lang, not lange or any other ending.
Could I use Urlaub instead of Ferien?
You could say der Urlaub ist lang, but note the nuance: Urlaub (masculine, singular) usually refers to taking time off work, while Ferien refers to school or academic holidays. Adults talk about Urlaub, students about Ferien.
Why is sind placed in second position rather than at the end?
German main clauses follow the “V2” rule: the finite verb must occupy the second position. Here Die Ferien is first, so sind comes second.