German Phrase
Welcher Tag ist heute?
Meaning
This is the standard way to ask for the current day of the week in German. The word 'Welcher' is an interrogative pronoun that agrees with the masculine noun 'Tag' (day), and 'heute' means today.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are unsure of the day of the week or need to confirm the date for an appointment. It is appropriate for both formal and informal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WelcherTagistheute
Welcher (Interrogative)
This pronoun must decline to match the gender and case of the noun. Since 'Tag' is masculine nominative, we use 'Welcher'.
Sein (ist)
The verb 'sein' (to be) is used in its third-person singular form 'ist' to equate 'today' with 'the day'.
🗨In Conversation
Welcher Tag ist heute?
Which day is today?
Heute ist Donnerstag.
Today is Thursday.
✕Common Mistakes
Was Tag ist heute?
In German, you use 'welcher' (which) rather than 'was' (what) when asking specifically about the day of the week.
Welche Tag ist heute?
The noun 'Tag' is masculine, so the pronoun must end in '-er' to match the nominative masculine case.
↔Alternatives
Der wievielte ist heute?
What is the date today?
Haben wir heute Montag?
Is it Monday today?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, the week officially starts on Monday, unlike in the US where it often starts on Sunday. When you ask this question, Germans will almost always respond with the name of the weekday first.