der
Sonntag
☀️ What does "der Sonntag" mean?
Der Sonntag is the German word for Sunday. It's the seventh and last day of the week in the traditional German calendar (though international standard ISO 8601 counts it as the first). It follows Samstag (Saturday) and precedes Montag (Monday).
Traditionally, der Sonntag is considered a day of rest or the Lord's Day in many cultures, particularly in Christianity. People often don't work on this day; it's frequently dedicated to family, relaxation, leisure activities, or religious practices.
The name derives from the sun (die Sonne), the celestial body to which the day was dedicated (Old High German sunnūntag).
There's only one article for "Sonntag": der (masculine).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
🔍 Grammar Spotlight: Der Sonntag
The noun „Sonntag“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Sonntag |
| Genitive | des | Sonntags / Sonntages |
| Dative | dem | Sonntag / Sonntage |
| Accusative | den | Sonntag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sonntage |
| Genitive | der | Sonntage |
| Dative | den | Sonntagen |
| Accusative | die | Sonntage |
Example Sentences
- Der Sonntag ist mein Lieblingstag. (Sunday is my favourite day.)
- Wir treffen uns nächsten Sonntag. (We'll meet next Sunday.)
- An Sonntagen schlafe ich gerne aus. (On Sundays, I like to sleep in.)
- Die Geschäfte sind am Sonntag geschlossen. (The shops are closed on Sunday. - *am* is a contraction of *an dem*)
- Ich erinnere mich an viele schöne Sonntage meiner Kindheit. (I remember many beautiful Sundays from my childhood.)
💡 How is "Sonntag" used?
The term „Sonntag“ is primarily used to refer to the specific day of the week.
- Everyday Language: Used for making plans ("Wir sehen uns am Sonntag." - *See you on Sunday.*) or talking about the past or upcoming week.
- Legal Context: In Germany and many other countries, Sonntag is a legal day of rest (gesetzlicher Ruhetag), affecting shop opening hours and work regulations (Sonntagsruhe - *Sunday quietness/rest*).
- Idioms & Expressions:
- Sonntagsfahrer: A (often derogatory) term for a slow, hesitant driver, implying they only drive infrequently (on Sundays). (*Sunday driver*)
- Sonntagsstaat / Sonntagskleidung: Especially good clothes worn only on special occasions (originally for church on Sundays). (*Sunday best*)
- Es ist nicht alle Tage Sonntag: You can't always have fun; there are duties too. (*Life isn't always a holiday.*)
- Time specifications: Often used with "am Sonntag" (on Sunday) or "sonntags" (lowercase, meaning 'every Sunday'). Example: "Sonntags gehen wir spazieren." (*On Sundays / Every Sunday, we go for a walk.*) vs. "Am Sonntag gehen wir spazieren." (*On this specific Sunday, we are going for a walk.*)
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of the masculine sun god, *HE* who rules Sunday. *HE* is *DER* in German. So it's DER Sonntag.
Meaning Mnemonic: Sonn-tag sounds like Sun-day. It's the day dedicated to the ☀️ Sun!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Werktag / Wochentag: (Workday / Weekday) Days when work is usually done (Monday to Friday/Saturday).
- Arbeitstag: (Working day) A day on which one pursues their professional activity.
Similar Words (Caution!)
😄 A Little Sunday Joke
DE: Warum ist der Sonntag manchmal traurig?
Weil morgen schon wieder Montag ist!
EN: Why is Sunday sometimes sad?
Because tomorrow is already Monday again!
📜 Poem for Sunday
DE:
Die Woche rennt, die Tage flieh'n,
Bis Ruhe wir am Ende seh'n.
Die Sonne scheint, die Vögel singen,
Der Sonntag wird uns Frieden bringen.
Kein Stress, kein Lärm, nur Stille, Zeit,
Für Seele, Herz und Heiterkeit.
EN:
The week runs fast, the days they fly,
Till rest we see when end is nigh.
The sun does shine, the birds all sing,
Der Sonntag peace to us will bring.
No stress, no noise, just quiet time,
For soul, for heart, and mood sublime.
❓ A Little Riddle
DE:
Ich folge auf des Samstags Spaß,
Bin oft im grünen, weichen Gras.
Ich bin bekannt als Ruhetag,
Bevor die neue Woch' ich jag'.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Der Sonntag
EN:
I follow Saturday's fun delight,
Am often spent where grass is bright.
I'm known by most as a day of rest,
Before the new week puts us to the test.
What am I?
Solution: Sunday (Der Sonntag)
🧩 Other Interesting Facts
- Etymology: The name „Sonntag“ is a loan translation of the Latin dies Solis ("day of the sun"). The day received this name in Roman antiquity.
- Cultural Significance: In many Western countries, Sunday is legally protected to ensure peace and quiet. Activities like noisy construction work or the operation of most shops are often prohibited (Ladenschlussgesetz - *Shop closing law*).
- International Standard: Although traditionally the 7th day, Sunday is counted as the first day of the week according to ISO 8601. However, in everyday use in Germany, Monday is usually considered the start of the week.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sonntag?
The word "Sonntag" is always masculine. The correct article is der. So you say: der Sonntag, des Sonntags, dem Sonntag, den Sonntag. The plural is "die Sonntage".