German Phrase
Heute ist der 11. September.
Meaning
This sentence is a standard way to state the current date in German. It combines the adverb 'heute' (today) with the copula verb 'ist' (is), followed by a specific date construction using a definite article and an ordinal number.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily life when someone asks for the date or when you are documenting the day in a journal or letter. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Heuteistder11.September
Heute
An adverb meaning 'today'. In German sentences, the verb must remain in the second position even if 'heute' starts the sentence.
Ordinal Numbers
The period after '11' signifies it is an ordinal (11th). It is pronounced 'elfte' in this nominative context.
Der
The masculine definite article 'der' is used here because it refers to 'der Tag' (the day), which is implied.
🗨In Conversation
Welches Datum haben wir heute?
What date is it today?
Heute ist der 11. September.
Today is the 11th of September.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute ist elf September.
German dates require an ordinal number (elfte) rather than a cardinal number (elf).
Heute ist der 11 September.
In written German, a period must follow the number to indicate it is an ordinal number.
↔Alternatives
Wir haben heute den 11. September.
Today we have the 11th of September.
Heute ist der elfte Neunte.
Today is the eleventh of the ninth.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, dates are always written in the order of Day, Month, Year. When speaking, the ordinal number usually takes an '-te' or '-ten' ending depending on the grammatical case, but for simple statements of the date, 'der' plus the '-te' ending is standard.