Nikolaus

Probably ultimately borrowed from Old French Nicholas, itself from Latin Nīcolāus. Compare English Nicholas.

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɪkoˌlaʊ̯s/ (normal)
• IPA^(key): /ˈniːkoˌlaʊ̯s/ (less common; regional)
• IPA^(key): /ˈnɪkəˌlaʊ̯s/ (dated; still among the older generation)

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Nikolaus m (genitive Nikolaus or Nikolaus')

1. St. Nicholas
2. A figure, originally identical with the former and similar to the Anglo-Saxon Santa Claus, bringing children (small) presents during the night before the 6th of December
3. A male given name, cognate to Nicholas.

• The traditional figure is usually named with a definite article: der Nikolaus. In this case, the genitive is des Nikolaus without an apostrophe. Otherwise it is (prepositioned) Nikolaus' with apostrophe.

• variants and pet forms: Claus, Klaus, Nick, Niclas, Nico, Nicolas, Niels, Niki, Niklas, Niklaus, Niko, Nikolai, Nils

Nikolaus m (genitive Nikolaus or Nikolauses, plural Nikoläuse or Nikolause)

1. a representation of St. Nicholas (e.g. an actor or a figurine)
2. the day of 6th December

• Knecht Ruprecht

Nikolaus c (genitive Nikolaus)

1. A male given name, equivalent to English Nicholas; more popular in the form Nils and Niklas.