der  Wochenbeginn

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɔxn̩bəˌɡɪn/

🌅 What exactly is 'der Wochenbeginn'?

Der Wochenbeginn means the start of the week. In Germany and many other countries, this is typically Monday (der Montag). It's the time when the work or school week resumes after the weekend.

The word is masculine, so the article is always der. There are no other articles for this noun.

🧐 Grammar of 'Wochenbeginn' in Detail

The noun "Wochenbeginn" is masculine. It is mostly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Wochenbeginne") is grammatically possible but very rare, as people would more likely talk about "den Anfängen der Wochen" (the beginnings of the weeks).

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Wir planen das Meeting für den Wochenbeginn.
   (We are planning the meeting for the beginning of the week.)
2. Am Wochenbeginn bin ich meistens noch etwas müde.
   (At the start of the week, I'm usually still a bit tired.)
3. Der Stau zu Wochenbeginn war wieder schrecklich.
   (The traffic jam at the beginning of the week was terrible again.)
4. Ich wünsche dir einen guten Wochenbeginn!
   (I wish you a good start to the week!)

🗓️ When to use 'Wochenbeginn'?

"Wochenbeginn" is used to refer to the first day or the first few days of the work week. It's a slightly more formal or general term than simply "Montag" (Monday).

• In business: "Die Lieferung erfolgt zu Wochenbeginn." (The delivery will take place at the beginning of the week.)
• In everyday life: "Lass uns das am Wochenbeginn besprechen." (Let's discuss that at the start of the week.)
• In news/reports: "Zu Wochenbeginn werden mildere Temperaturen erwartet." (Milder temperatures are expected at the beginning of the week.)

It contrasts with das Wochenende (the weekend) or der Wochenschluss (the end of the week).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Wochenbeginn'

Article Mnemonic: Think of Der Mann who has to begin work at the Wochenbeginn. The 'n' sound might loosely connect to 'der'. Or think of der Montag (Monday), the typical day for der Wochenbeginn.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Woche (week) just beginning to wake up – a fresh start, the Beginn.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with der Tagesbeginn (start of the day) or der Monatsbeginn (start of the month).

😂 A Little Joke for the Start of the Week

German: Warum ist der Montag so weit vom Freitag entfernt, aber der Freitag so nah am Montag?

... Weil am Wochenbeginn die Perspektive noch ganz anders ist! 😉

English: Why is Monday so far from Friday, but Friday so close to Monday?

... Because at the start of the week (Wochenbeginn), the perspective is completely different! 😉

📜 Poem for the 'Wochenbeginn'

German:
Der Wecker klingelt, grell und laut,
die Ruhe ist nun schnell verbaut.
Der Wochenbeginn, er ruft zur Pflicht,
doch mit Kaffee sieht's besser aus, das Licht.

Die Müdigkeit noch in den Gliedern steckt,
man sich zur Arbeit langsam reckt.
Ein neuer Start, mit frischem Mut,
am Wochenbeginn wird alles gut!

English Translation:
The alarm clock rings, harsh and loud,
the peace is quickly disallowed.
The start of the week calls to duty's plight,
but coffee improves the morning light.

Tiredness still lingers in every limb,
one slowly stretches, work looks dim.
A new beginning, with courage fresh and true,
at the week's start, good things ensue!

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich komme nach zwei Tagen Ruh',
und bringe Arbeit mit im Nu.
Man wünscht mich oft 'nen guten Start,
obwohl ich manchmal bin recht hart.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I come after two days of rest,
And bring work quickly, put to the test.
People often wish me a 'good start', it's said,
Although sometimes I fill them with dread.

What am I?

🧩 Word Composition

The word "Wochenbeginn" is a compound noun (Kompositum):

• Die Woche: The week (period of seven days).
• Der Beginn: The beginning or start of something.

Together, they mean "the beginning of the week". The gender is determined by the last part of the compound word (Grundwort): der Beginn.