der  Sonnabend

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzɔnˌʔaːbn̩t/

🗓️ What does 'der Sonnabend' mean?

Der Sonnabend is a German word for the day of the week Saturday. It is a masculine noun.

The use of Sonnabend is nowadays primarily restricted to Northern and Eastern Germany, where it is often considered the more traditional or colloquial variant alongside the nationally common term Samstag.

⚠️ While Samstag is understood everywhere, using Sonnabend in Southern or Western Germany might sometimes lead to confusion or be perceived as outdated.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'der Sonnabend' in Detail

Sonnabend is a masculine noun and takes the article der. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Am Sonnabend gehen wir ins Kino. (On Saturday, we are going to the cinema.)
• Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Sonnabend. (I'm already looking forward to next Saturday.)
• Die Party findet am kommenden Sonnabend statt. (The party takes place next Saturday.)
• Wir haben jeden zweiten Sonnabend frei. (We have every other Saturday off.)
• Die Geschäfte schließen an diesem Sonnabend früher. (The shops close earlier this Saturday.)

🌍 How and where is 'Sonnabend' used?

The usage of der Sonnabend is strongly regional:

• Northern and Eastern Germany: Here, Sonnabend is widespread and often used synonymously with Samstag, sometimes even preferred, especially in spoken language or more traditional contexts.
• Southern and Western Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Here, the term Samstag clearly dominates. Sonnabend is rarely used and often not immediately understood or perceived as a Northern German peculiarity.

Context: Sonnabend is used just like Samstag to refer to the sixth day of the week (according to international standard ISO 8601) or the last day of the workweek for many. It represents the weekend, leisure time, and relaxation.

Comparison: While Samstag is the standard High German and more internationally common form, Sonnabend has a stronger regional and traditional connotation.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Sonnabend'

Article Mnemonic: Remember: Der Sonnabend is DER day before der Sonntag (Sunday). Both are important weekend days, both start with 'Sonn-', and both are masculine (der Sonntag, der Sonnabend).

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Sonne (sun) setting on the Abend (evening) before Sunday – that's the Sonn-abend. It's the 'Sun-evening' leading into Sunday.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words / Potential Confusion:

• Sonntag: Sounds similar, but means Sunday, the day after Sonnabend/Samstag.

😂 A Little Weekend Joke

Warum freuen sich Skelette so auf den Sonnabend?
(Why are skeletons so excited about Saturday?)
Weil sie dann endlich mal die Knochen hochlegen können!
(Because they can finally put their bones up / relax!)

✍️ Poem about Sonnabend

Der Montag grau, die Woche lang,
(Monday grey, the week is long,)
Der Dienstag zieht, mit leisem Klang.
(Tuesday passes, with a soft sound.)
Der Mittwoch teilt, die Zeit entzwei,
(Wednesday divides the time in two,)
Der Donnerstag eilt schnell herbei.
(Thursday hurries quickly nigh.)
Der Freitag lacht, das Ziel ist nah,
(Friday laughs, the goal is near,)
Doch dann, hurra, der Sonnabend ist da!
(But then, hooray, Saturday is here!)
Die Sonne scheint am Abend mild,
(The sun shines mildly in the eve,)
Ein Tag so frei, ein schönes Bild.
(A day so free, a lovely scene.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme nach dem Freitagsschluss,
(I come after Friday's close,)
Bevor der Sonntag bringt Genuss.
(Before Sunday brings delight.)
Im Norden nennt man mich oft so,
(In the North, they often call me so,)
Welcher Tag macht dich Wochenend-froh?
(Which day makes you weekend-happy?)

Solution: Der Sonnabend

💡 More Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Etymology):

The name Sonnabend literally means 'Sun-evening' (Sonne = sun, Abend = evening) and originally referred to the eve of Sunday (the day of the sun). This naming convention has roots in Germanic tradition where the day began on the preceding evening.

Usage Trend:

Although still common in Northern and Eastern Germany, there is a general trend towards a decline in the use of Sonnabend in favor of Samstag, especially in official contexts and among younger generations.