German Phrase
Heute ist Montag.
Meaning
This phrase is a foundational sentence used to identify the current day of the week in German. It consists of the temporal adverb 'Heute' (today), the linking verb 'ist' (is), and the proper noun 'Montag' (Monday).
When to use
Use this phrase in daily interactions to state the day, clarify a schedule, or respond to the question 'Welcher Tag ist heute?'. It is appropriate for both formal professional environments and casual social settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HeuteistMontag
Heute
A temporal adverb that often occupies the first position in German sentences.
ist
The third-person singular form of the irregular verb 'sein' (to be).
Montag
All days of the week in German are masculine (der) and must always be capitalized as they are nouns.
🗨In Conversation
Welcher Tag ist heute?
Which day is today?
Heute ist Montag.
Today is Monday.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute sind Montag.
The verb must be singular 'ist' to match the singular concept of 'today'.
Heute ist am Montag.
Avoid using 'am' (on) when simply naming the day; 'am' is reserved for describing when an action happens.
↔Alternatives
Es ist Montag.
It is Monday.
Wir haben heute Montag.
We have Monday today.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, the calendar week strictly begins on Monday (Montag), following the ISO 8601 standard. It is common to wish colleagues a 'Guten Wochenstart' (good start to the week) on this day to build rapport in the workplace.