der
Hochzeitstag
💍 What exactly is a Hochzeitstag?
The German word der Hochzeitstag refers to the anniversary of the day a marriage (Hochzeit) took place. It's a day when married couples often celebrate their bond and remember their wedding.
The word is a compound noun formed from Hochzeit (wedding) and Tag (day).
⚠️ There is only one article: der Hochzeitstag, because it refers to a specific day (der Tag - the day, which is masculine).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar of 'der Hochzeitstag' in Detail
The noun 'Hochzeitstag' is masculine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Hochzeitstag |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Hochzeitstag(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Hochzeitstag(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Hochzeitstag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hochzeitstage |
| Genitive | der | Hochzeitstage |
| Dative | den | Hochzeitstagen |
| Accusative | die | Hochzeitstage |
Example Sentences
- Wir feiern heute unseren zehnten Hochzeitstag.
(Today we are celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary.) - Er hat den Hochzeitstag vergessen!
(He forgot the wedding anniversary!) - Zu ihrem Hochzeitstag bekam sie einen wunderschönen Ring.
(She received a beautiful ring for her wedding anniversary.) - Die schönsten Hochzeitstage sind die, die man gemeinsam verbringt.
(The best wedding anniversaries are those spent together.)
💡 How to use 'Hochzeitstag'?
Der Hochzeitstag is used to name the anniversary of a wedding. It's a standard term in German.
- Typical verbs: feiern (to celebrate), begehen (to observe/celebrate), vergessen (to forget), erinnern an (to remember).
- Context: Mostly in private, family contexts, but also in reports about jubilees (e.g., Silberhochzeit - silver anniversary, Goldene Hochzeit - golden anniversary).
- Distinction: Not to be confused with the actual Hochzeitstag (the wedding day itself), although the term can sometimes be used for that if the context is clear. However, it usually means the anniversary.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: It's der Tag (the day) of the wedding – so it's der Hochzeitstag. Remember the base word 'Tag' is masculine.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a Hochzeit (wedding) that is celebrated again every year on a specific Tag (day) – that's the Hochzeitstag (wedding anniversary).
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms
- Ehejubiläum: A more formal term for Hochzeitstag, especially for significant anniversaries.
- Jahrestag (der Hochzeit): A more general term meaning 'anniversary (of the wedding)', requiring the context 'Hochzeit'.
Antonyms
There isn't a direct antonym. Conceptually, one might think of terms like:
- Trennungstag: The day a couple separates.
- Scheidungstag: The day a divorce becomes final.
However, these are not true opposites but describe different relationship events.
Similar Words
- Geburtstag: Anniversary of birth (birthday!), not marriage.
- Jubiläum: A general term for an anniversary of an important event (can also be professional, etc.).
😄 A Little Joke
German:
Fragt sie ihn am Hochzeitstag: "Schatz, was ist dein größter Wunsch?"
Er: "Dass dieser Tag nie endet!"
Sie: "Oh, wie romantisch!"
Er: "Nein, ich meine, dass wir ihn nicht jedes Jahr wieder feiern müssen!"
English Translation:
She asks him on their wedding anniversary: "Honey, what's your greatest wish?"
He: "That this day never ends!"
She: "Oh, how romantic!"
He: "No, I mean that we don't have to celebrate it again every year!"
📜 A Poem for the Wedding Anniversary
German:
Der Kalender zeigt es an,
ein besonderer Tag bricht an.
Nicht nur irgendeine Zeit,
es ist der Tag eurer Zweisamkeit.
Der Hochzeitstag, so lieb und schön,
möge er stets in Ehren steh'n.
Erinnert euch, wie alles war,
und feiert jedes neue Jahr!
English Translation:
The calendar shows it clear,
a special day is drawing near.
Not just any time or phase,
it's the day of your embrace.
The wedding anniversary, so dear,
may it always be held in cheer.
Remember everything back then,
and celebrate each year again!
❓ Who am I? A Riddle
German:
Ich komme jedes Jahr im gleichen Kleid,
erinnere an Liebe und vergangene Zeit.
Ein Ring, ein Kuss, ein Schwur so rein,
an diesem Tag soll alles wieder sein.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I come each year, dressed just the same,
reminding of love and a past flame.
A ring, a kiss, a vow so true,
on this day, it all feels new.
What am I?
Solution: Der Hochzeitstag (The Wedding Anniversary)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition
The word 'Hochzeitstag' is a deterministic compound noun. It consists of:
- Hochzeit (determining word): Specifies the type of day.
- Tag (base word): Determines the gender (der Tag -> der Hochzeitstag).
Special Anniversaries
There are traditional names for specific wedding anniversaries in German:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hochzeitstag?
The word 'Hochzeitstag' is masculine. The correct article is always der: der Hochzeitstag (nominative), des Hochzeitstags (genitive), dem Hochzeitstag (dative), den Hochzeitstag (accusative). It means 'wedding anniversary'.