German

Proper noun

Nikolaus m ‎(genitive Nikolaus or Nikolaus')

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

Usage notes

The saint 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.

Related terms

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

Noun

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

Derived terms

• Nikolausabend
• Nikolausstiefel
• Nikolaustag

See also

• Knecht Ruprecht

Swedish

Proper noun

Nikolaus

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