der
Freitag
🗓️ What does „der Freitag“ mean?
Der Freitag is the German word for Friday, the fifth day of the week according to standard counting, falling between Donnerstag (Thursday) and Samstag (Saturday). For many people, it marks the end of the work week and the beginning of the weekend.
Etymologically, the name derives from the Old High German frîatac, named after the Germanic goddess of love and marriage, Frija (or Frigg), similar to the Latin dies Veneris (day of Venus).
There is only one article for this weekday: der Freitag.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar of „der Freitag“
The noun „Freitag“ is masculine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Freitag |
| Genitive | des | Freitags / Freitag(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Freitag |
| Accusative | den | Freitag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Freitage |
| Genitive | der | Freitage |
| Dative | den | Freitagen |
| Accusative | die | Freitage |
Example Sentences
- Der Freitag ist mein Lieblingstag. (Friday is my favorite day.)
- Ich freue mich auf den Freitag. (I'm looking forward to Friday. - Accusative)
- Wir treffen uns am Freitag. (We are meeting on Friday. - Dative with preposition 'an')
- Die Aufgaben des Freitags sind erledigt. (Friday's tasks are done. - Genitive)
- Viele schöne Freitage haben wir schon erlebt. (We have already experienced many beautiful Fridays. - Plural)
💡 How to use „Freitag“?
„Freitag“ is primarily used to name the specific day of the week.
- Time expressions: Often used with prepositions like "am" (on a specific Friday) or adverbs like "freitags" or "jeden Freitag" (every Friday, indicating regularity).
- Cultural Significance: In many Western cultures, Freitag is the last working day of the week, giving it a positive connotation ("Endlich Freitag!" - Finally Friday!).
- Religious Significance: In Christianity, Karfreitag (Good Friday) is an important holiday. In Islam, Freitag is the most important day of the week for communal prayer (Salāt al-Jumuʿah). In Judaism, the Sabbath begins on Friday evening.
- Fixed Expressions: "Schwarzer Freitag" (Black Friday) refers to a day of retail sales promotions or, historically, stock market crashes. "Freitag, der 13." (Friday the 13th) is considered an unlucky day in superstition.
🧠 Mnemonics for „der Freitag“
-
For the article „der“: Although named after the goddess Frija (female), you could think of her male counterpart or a strong male god like Freyr from Norse mythology – strong gods often take „der“ in German associations. Alternatively, imagine: Der Boss gives everyone Friday off.
-
For the meaning „Friday“: Think: On Freitag, you'll soon be frei (free)! It's the last day before the free weekend.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for „Freitag“ as a day of the week. You can describe it:
- Der fünfte Wochentag (The fifth day of the week)
- Der Tag vor dem Wochenende / Samstag (The day before the weekend / Saturday)
- Letzter Arbeitstag (Last workday - context-dependent)
😄 A little Joke
Warum freuen sich Skelette so auf den Freitag?
Weil sie dann endlich die Knochen hochlegen können! 😉
(Why do skeletons look forward to Friday so much?)
(Because they can finally put their bones up!) 😉 - *A pun on the German idiom "die Beine hochlegen" (to put one's feet up/relax)*
📜 Poem for Friday
Die Woche zog sich lang und schwer,
Doch nun ist bald das Wochenende hier.
Der Freitag winkt, die Arbeit ruht,
Ein jeder fasst nun neuen Mut.
Die Sonne lacht, die Stimmung steigt,
Die Freiheit ist nicht mehr so weit!
(The week dragged on, long and hard,
But now the weekend's not so far.
Der Freitag waves, the work does cease,
Everyone finds new courage, finds their peace.
The sun is laughing, spirits rise,
Freedom is close before our eyes!)
❓ Riddle
Ich komme nach dem Donner,
Und bringe Wochenend-Wonner.
Für viele bin ich der letzte Schritt,
Bevor die Freizeit macht den Hit.
Welcher Tag bin ich?
(I come after the thunder,
And bring weekend wonder.
For many, I'm the final stride,
Before free time becomes the guide.
Which day am I?)
Solution: Der Freitag (Friday)
✨ Other Tidbits
- Etymology: As mentioned, named after the Germanic goddess Frija/Frigg. This is reflected in other Germanic languages (English: Friday, Dutch: vrijdag).
- Freitag, der 13. (Friday the 13th): The fear of this date (Paraskevidekatriaphobia) combines the negative connotation of the number 13 and Friday (Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion). Statistically, however, no more accidents occur on this day than on other Fridays.
- Casual Friday: In many offices, it's common practice to dress more casually on Friday ("Casual Friday"). German: legerer Freitag.
Summary: is it der, die or das Freitag?
The word "Freitag" is a masculine noun, so it always takes the article der: der Freitag. It refers to the fifth day of the week, Friday.