das  Monatsende

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmoːnat͡sˌʔɛndə/

🗓️ What exactly is 'das Monatsende'?

Das Monatsende means the end of the month. It refers to the last part of a calendar month, typically the last few days. It marks the transition to the next month.

In German, the word is neuter, which is why it takes the article das. There are no other articles or meanings associated with this specific word.

Contextually, das Monatsende is often relevant for:

• 📅 Fristen (deadlines, e.g., for payments, submissions)
• 💰 Gehaltszahlungen (salary payments)
• 📊 Abrechnungsperioden (accounting periods)

It's a clearly defined point in time within the calendar.

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: 'das Monatsende'

The word "Monatsende" is a neuter noun (sächlich). Its declension is as follows:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural "die Monatsenden" (the ends of the months) is used less frequently but is grammatically correct, for example, when referring to the ends of several months.

Usage Examples

1. Die Miete ist immer zum Monatsende fällig.
   (The rent is always due at the end of the month.)
2. Wir warten sehnsüchtig auf das Monatsende, weil dann das Gehalt kommt.
   (We are eagerly awaiting the end of the month because that's when the salary arrives.)
3. Viele Projekte haben ihre Frist gegen Monatsende.
   (Many projects have their deadline towards the end of the month.)
4. Die Monatsenden der Sommermonate sind oft sehr warm. (Plural Example)
   (The ends of the summer months are often very warm.)

💡 How to Use 'Monatsende'?

"Das Monatsende" is frequently used in contexts related to scheduling, finances, and deadlines.

• Finances: Salary payments (Gehaltszahlungen), bill due dates (e.g., "Das Gehalt wird am Monatsende überwiesen." - The salary is transferred at the end of the month.)
• Work Life: Project deadlines (Projektfristen), report submissions (e.g., "Der Bericht muss bis Monatsende fertig sein." - The report must be finished by the end of the month.)
• Everyday Life: Planning activities or appointments (e.g., "Wir treffen uns gegen Monatsende." - We'll meet towards the end of the month.)

Typical Phrases:

• am Monatsende (at the end of the month)
• gegen Monatsende (towards/around the end of the month)
• bis Monatsende (by the end of the month)
• zum Monatsende (at the end of the month, often as a specific cut-off date)

It's important not to confuse it with das Wochenende (weekend) or das Jahresende (end of the year).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Monatsende'

Article Mnemonic (das):

Think of 'das Ende' (the end). The word 'Monatsende' contains 'Ende', and 'Ende' is neuter (das Ende). Therefore: das Monatsende.

Meaning Mnemonic (End of the Month):

Imagine the calendar page 'ending' at the end of a month before a new one begins. The Monat (month) has an Ende (end) = Monatsende. Or, think about how your money might be 'at its end' by the Monatsende before your next paycheck! 💸

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms:

• Wochenende: Weekend (end of the week).
• Jahresende: End of the year.
• Quartalsende: End of a quarter (three-month period).

😄 A Little Joke for the End of the Month

Deutsch: Frage: Was ist der traurigste Tag für ein Sparschwein? Antwort: Das Monatsende – da wird es oft geschlachtet, weil das Geld alle ist!

English: Question: What is the saddest day for a piggy bank? Answer: The end of the month – that's often when it gets smashed because the money has run out!

📜 Poem for the 'Monatsende'

Deutsch:
Der Kalender dünn und schmal,
die letzten Tage, eine Qual?
Nein, Vorfreude auf das Neue bald,
das Monatsende kommt mit G'walt.

Das Konto leer, der Kühlschrank auch?
Man hofft aufs Geld, das ist der Brauch.
Fristen nahen, man ist im Stress,
das ist das Monatsende, express!

English Translation:
The calendar, thin and narrow,
the last days, a cause for sorrow?
No, anticipation for the new soon starts,
the month's end arrives with forceful arts.

The account empty, the fridge too?
One hopes for money, it's the custom, true.
Deadlines approach, one feels the stress,
that's the end of the month, express!

❓ Riddle Time

Deutsch:
Ich komme jeden Monat wieder,
manch einer singt schon frohe Lieder.
Für Rechnungen oft der letzte Stich,
und kurz darauf füllt Geld den Tisch.

Was bin ich?
... Das Monatsende

English Translation:
I return every month,
some people already sing joyful songs.
For bills, often the final deadline,
and shortly after, money fills the shrine (table).

What am I?

... The end of the month (das Monatsende)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Monatsende" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:

• Der Monat: Meaning 'the month'. The 's' in the middle is a linking element (Fugen-s).
• Das Ende: Meaning 'the end'.

Because the second part of the compound ("Ende") is neuter ("das Ende"), it determines the gender of the entire word: das Monatsende.

Cultural Significance:

In many cultures, especially in the working world, das Monatsende is a significant time because wages and salaries are often paid then, and many financial obligations (rent, bills) become due.