German Phrase
Gute Nacht!
Meaning
This is the standard German expression used to wish someone a restful sleep or to say goodbye at the end of the night. It is derived from the adjective 'gut' and the feminine noun 'Nacht', implying a wish for a pleasant night's rest. Unlike 'Guten Abend', which is a greeting for the evening hours, 'Gute Nacht' is specifically for bedtime or final departures.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are going to bed, when someone else is going to sleep, or as a final farewell when leaving a social gathering late at night. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GuteNacht
Adjective Declension
The adjective 'gut' receives the ending '-e' to agree with the feminine singular noun 'Nacht' in the accusative case (short for 'Ich wünsche dir eine gute Nacht').
Capitalization
In German, all nouns like 'Nacht' are always capitalized, regardless of their position in the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Ich bin sehr müde, ich gehe jetzt ins Bett. Gute Nacht!
I am very tired, I'm going to bed now. Good night!
Gute Nacht! Schlaf gut und bis morgen.
Good night! Sleep well and see you tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Guten Nacht!
Nacht is a feminine noun, so the adjective 'gut' takes the ending -e (Gute) rather than the masculine/neuter -en (Guten).
↔Alternatives
Schlaf gut!
Sleep well!
Träum süß!
Sweet dreams!
Schlaf schön!
Sleep beautifully!
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, 'Gute Nacht' is reserved strictly for the very end of the day. If you arrive at a party at 9 PM, saying 'Gute Nacht' would be confusing; instead, use 'Guten Abend' (Good evening) and save 'Gute Nacht' for when you are actually heading home to sleep.