der  Sonntagabend

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/deːɐ̯ ˈzɔntaːkˌʔaːbn̩t/

🌆 What exactly is a Sonntagabend?

Der Sonntagabend refers to the last part of Sunday, the time between the late afternoon and the night leading into Monday. It's the time when the weekend slowly winds down and people prepare for the new week. The word is masculine, so it's always der Sonntagabend.

It's a compound noun made up of:

• der Sonntag (Sunday)
• der Abend (evening)

Since the second word "Abend" is masculine (der Abend), the compound word "Sonntagabend" is also masculine (der Sonntagabend). There are no other articles or meanings for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Sonntagabend

The noun "der Sonntagabend" is masculine and follows the strong declension pattern.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Sonntagabend ist oft eine Zeit der Ruhe vor der neuen Arbeitswoche.
   (Sunday evening is often a time of calm before the new work week.)
2. Wir verbrachten einen gemütlichen Sonntagabend vor dem Kamin.
   (We spent a cozy Sunday evening in front of the fireplace.)
3. Ich erinnere mich gerne an die langen Sonntagabende meiner Kindheit.
   (I fondly remember the long Sunday evenings of my childhood.)
4. Wegen des schönen Wetters wurde der Grill erst am späten Sonntagabend angemacht.
   (Because of the nice weather, the barbecue was only started late on Sunday evening.)
5. Viele Leute schauen am Sonntagabend den "Tatort".
   (Many people watch "Tatort" on Sunday evening. - Here, "am Sonntagabend" is used adverbially, meaning "an dem Sonntagabend" or "on Sunday evening".)

💡 How to Use Sonntagabend

"Der Sonntagabend" is used to describe the specific period at the end of Sunday. It often contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the week or the activities of the rest of the weekend.

• Typical Contexts: Relaxation, preparing for the week, family activities, TV evenings (especially crime shows like "Tatort").
• Time Frame: Usually starts after late afternoon (around 6 PM) and ends with going to bed or the transition to Monday (midnight).
• Adverbial Use: Very commonly used with the preposition "an" and the dative case: am Sonntagabend (an dem Sonntagabend). This describes when something happens. Example: "Ich gehe am Sonntagabend ins Kino." (I'm going to the cinema on Sunday evening.)
• Distinction: It's more specific than just "Sonntag" (Sunday) or "Abend" (evening). "Sonntagabend" implies the end of the weekend.

🧠 Mnemonics for Sonntagabend

Article Mnemonic (Der): Remember: Der last Abend (evening) of the week belongs to him ('der' is masculine). Der Abend is masculine, so der Sonntagabend is masculine too.

Meaning Mnemonic (Sunday evening): Picture the Sonne ☀️ (sun) setting on Sonntag (Sunday), ushering in the Abend (evening). Der Sonntagabend is when the sun says "Good evening" to the weekend.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Sonntagabend

⚠️ Similar, but Different Terms

• Wochenende (Weekend): Includes the entire period (Saturday & Sunday), not just Sunday evening.
• Feierabend (End of the workday): Refers generally to the end of any workday, not specifically Sunday.

😂 A Little Sunday Evening Fun

Warum ist der Sonntagabend so nachdenklich?

Weil er immer darüber grübelt, wie schnell der Montag kommt! 😄

(Why is Sunday evening so thoughtful?)

(Because it's always wondering how quickly Monday arrives!) 😄

📜 A Winding-Down Poem

Der Tag neigt sich, die Sonne sinkt,
Der Sonntagabend leise winkt.
Noch Ruhe spüren, Kraft auftanken,
Bevor die neuen Pflichten wanken.
Ein letzter Tee, ein Buch zur Hand,
Verweilen in dem Zwielichtland.

(The day fades, the sun descends low,
Sunday evening gives a soft wave hello.
Still feeling peace, recharging might,
Before the new duties take flight.
A final tea, a book nearby,
Lingering where the shadows lie.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin der Abschied vom Wochenende süß,
Bevor der Montag kommt mit festem Fuß.
Ich bin oft ruhig, manchmal Tatort-Zeit,
Bereite vor auf neue Arbeitszeit.

Was bin ich?

(I am the weekend's sweet goodbye,
Before Monday arrives with a determined stride.
I'm often quiet, sometimes "Tatort" time is nigh,
Preparing you for work hours passing by.

What am I?)

Solution: Der Sonntagabend (Sunday evening)

🧩 More Tidbits about Sonntagabend

Word Composition

The word "Sonntagabend" is a classic example of a German compound noun (Kompositum):

• Base word: der Abend (determines the gender/article - masculine)
• Determinant word: der Sonntag (specifies which evening is meant)

So: Sonntag + Abend = Sonntagabend

Cultural Significance

In Germany, der Sonntagabend is often strongly associated with watching the crime series "Tatort," which has aired for decades at 8:15 PM. For many, this is a fixed ritual to end the weekend.