German Phrase
Heute ist der 15. August.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state the current date in German. It uses the verb 'sein' (to be) followed by a nominative masculine article and an ordinal number representing the day.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily life when answering questions about the date or when dating a letter or document. It is appropriate for both casual and formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Heuteistder15.August
Heute
An adverb meaning 'today', frequently used at the beginning of sentences to establish time.
Ordinal Numbers
The dot after '15' signifies an ordinal number. In the nominative case, '15.' is pronounced 'fünfzehnte'.
Gender of Months
All months in German are masculine, which is why the article 'der' is used when stating the date.
🗨In Conversation
Welches Datum haben wir heute?
What is the date today?
Heute ist der 15. August.
Today is August 15th.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute ist der 15 August.
In German, a period must follow the number to indicate it is an ordinal number like '15th'.
Heute ist das 15. August.
Dates always use the masculine article 'der' in this construction.
↔Alternatives
Wir haben heute den 15. August.
Today is the 15th of August (Literally: We have today the 15th).
Es ist der fünfzehnte August.
It is the fifteenth of August.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, dates are formatted as Day. Month. Year. August 15th is also 'Mariä Himmelfahrt' (Assumption Day), which is a public holiday in the states of Bavaria and Saarland.