German Phrase
Gute Nacht.
Meaning
This is the standard German greeting used when someone is going to bed or leaving a social gathering late at night. It conveys a wish for restful sleep and functions as a final farewell for the day, similar to its English counterpart. Unlike 'Guten Abend', which is a greeting for the evening, 'Gute Nacht' implies the day is over.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are saying goodbye to someone late in the evening or just before they go to sleep. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, such as with family, friends, or colleagues leaving a late event.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GuteNacht
Gute (Adjective Ending)
The adjective 'gut' takes the '-e' ending because 'Nacht' is a feminine noun in the accusative case (used for greetings).
Nacht (Noun)
'Nacht' means night and, like all German nouns, it must always be capitalized.
🗨In Conversation
Ich bin so müde, ich gehe jetzt ins Bett.
I am so tired, I'm going to bed now.
Gute Nacht. Schlaf gut!
Good night. Sleep well!
✕Common Mistakes
Guten Nacht.
Nacht is a feminine noun, so the adjective 'gut' must take the feminine accusative ending '-e' instead of the masculine '-en'.
↔Alternatives
Schlaf gut!
Sleep well!
Träum süß!
Sweet dreams!
Gute Nacht, schlaf schön!
Good night, sleep well!
Cultural Tip
In German culture, 'Gute Nacht' is strictly reserved for the very end of the night or right before sleep. If you are arriving at a dinner or a party at 8:00 PM, you should use 'Guten Abend' (Good evening) instead. Using 'Gute Nacht' upon arrival would suggest you are immediately leaving to go to bed.