German Phrase
Heute ist der 3. Juli.
Meaning
This sentence is the standard way to state the current date in German. It uses the verb 'sein' (to be) paired with a definite article and an ordinal number to identify the specific day of the month.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily conversation, at work, or in writing whenever you need to identify today's date. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Heuteistder 3.Juli
Heute
An adverb meaning 'today'. In German, adverbs of time often start the sentence, triggering an inversion of the subject and verb.
Ordinal Numbers
Numbers followed by a dot are ordinals. In the nominative case with the article 'der', numbers 1-19 take the ending '-te' (e.g., dritte).
🗨In Conversation
Welches Datum haben wir heute?
What date do we have today?
Heute ist der 3. Juli.
Today is the 3rd of July.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute ist 3. Juli.
In German, you must include the definite article 'der' before the date when using the verb 'sein'.
Heute ist den 3. Juli.
After the verb 'sein', the date stays in the nominative case 'der', not the accusative 'den'.
↔Alternatives
Wir haben heute den 3. Juli.
We have the 3rd of July today.
Heute ist der dritte Siebte.
Today is the third of the seventh (month).
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, dates are always written in the Day.Month.Year format. The dot after the number is essential as it represents the ordinal ending (e.g., 3. means 'third').