German Phrase
Heute ist der erste Mai.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to state the date in German. It uses the nominative case for the date because it follows the linking verb 'sein' (to be).
When to use
Use this phrase on May 1st to inform someone of the date or to begin a conversation about the holiday associated with this day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Heuteistder ersteMai
Ordinal Numbers
In German dates, you must use ordinal numbers. For the first of the month, use 'erste' with the appropriate definite article.
Nominative Case
When using the verb 'sein' (to be) to state the date, the date is the subject complement and stays in the nominative case.
🗨In Conversation
Weißt du, welches Datum heute ist?
Do you know what today's date is?
Heute ist der erste Mai.
Today is the first of May.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute ist der eins Mai.
In German, dates always use ordinal numbers (first, second) rather than cardinal numbers (one, two).
Heute ist den ersten Mai.
After the verb 'sein', the date remains in the nominative case ('der erste') rather than the accusative ('den ersten').
↔Alternatives
Heute haben wir den ersten Mai.
Today we have the first of May.
Es ist der erste Mai.
It is the first of May.
Cultural Tip
May 1st, or 'Tag der Arbeit' (Labor Day), is a major public holiday in Germany. It is celebrated with various traditions, including the raising of a 'Maibaum' (Maypole) in villages and 'Tanz in den Mai' (Dancing into May) parties on the night of April 30th.