German Phrase
Heute ist der 25. Dezember.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to state the date in German. It uses the adverb 'heute' (today), the verb 'ist' (is), and a definite article followed by an ordinal number and the month name.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks for the date or when you want to announce that it is Christmas Day. It is suitable for both casual conversation and formal announcements.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Heuteistder25.Dezember
Der + Ordinalzahl
Dates in the nominative case use the masculine definite article 'der' followed by a number with a period.
Ist
The verb 'sein' (to be) is conjugated to 'ist' to match the singular subject of the date.
🗨In Conversation
Welches Datum haben wir heute?
What date is it today?
Heute ist der 25. Dezember.
Today is the 25th of December.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute ist 25. Dezember.
In German, dates require a definite article (der) when used with the verb 'sein'.
Heute ist der 25 Dezember.
The period after the number is essential in German to indicate it is an ordinal number (25th).
↔Alternatives
Wir haben heute den 25. Dezember.
Today we have the 25th of December.
Heute ist der erste Weihnachtsfeiertag.
Today is the first Christmas holiday.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, while the 25th is a major holiday, the most important celebration occurs on the evening of December 24th (Heiligabend). Both the 25th and 26th of December are public holidays known as 'Weihnachtsfeiertage'.