When learning a foreign language, it’s essential to understand how to express dates accurately. In German, dates are typically written in the order of day, month, and then year. However, it’s important to note that regional variations exist in the way dates are spoken in Germany. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say a date in German using both formal and informal language. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways of Saying a Date in German
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, official documents, or academic settings, it is crucial to use proper German to express dates. Here are a few tips and examples:
1. Using Ordinal Numbers for Days:
In formal German, ordinal numbers are used to represent the days of the month when expressing a date. Here is an example:
Am zwölften Juli zweitausendzwanzig. (On the twelfth of July, 2020.)
Note that “zwölfter” is the ordinal form of “zwölf” (twelve), and it is used with masculine days in the accusative case.
2. State the Month and Year Clearly:
When speaking formally, it’s essential to state both the month and the year explicitly. Here’s an example:
Der fünfzehnte Mai neunzehnhundertneunundneunzig. (The fifteenth of May, 1999.)
Make sure to use the correct cardinal numbers and spell out the month correctly.
3. Using the Preposition “im” or “am”:
In formal contexts, it is common to use the prepositions “im” or “am” before stating the month. Here are a couple of examples:
Am siebzehnten Dezember zweitausendzwanzig. (On the seventeenth of December, 2020.)
Im dreizehnten Januar zweitausendvierundzwanzig. (In the thirteenth of January, 2024.)
Remember to use the correct preposition based on whether you are referring to a specific day or the month as a whole.
Informal Ways of Saying a Date in German
When speaking informally with friends, family, or colleagues, you can use a more casual approach to express dates. Here are a few tips and examples:
1. Using Cardinal Numbers for Days:
In informal German, cardinal numbers are used to express the days of the month. Here’s an example:
Am fünfzehnten Mai. (On the fifteenth of May.)
Unlike in formal language, you don’t need to use the ordinal form of the numbers.
2. Using Abbreviations for Months:
In casual conversations, it is common to use abbreviations for the months instead of spelling them out entirely. Here’s an example:
Am 15. Mai. (On the 15th of May.)
Using abbreviations helps you express the date more quickly in informal settings.
3. Skipping the Year:
When the year is clear from the context or when it’s not crucial to mention, you can omit stating the year altogether. Here’s an example:
Am zehnten Juli. (On the tenth of July.)
Omitting the year is especially common when referring to upcoming dates or events.
Regional Variations in Saying Dates in German
While standard German follows the aforementioned conventions, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist across Germany. For instance, in parts of Bavaria, the word “Teil” is used to indicate the date:
Am zwölften Juli im Jahr zweitausendzwanzig Teil. (On the twelfth of July, 2020.)
However, it’s important to mention that this variation is not universally understood or accepted across the entire German-speaking community.
In Conclusion
Learning how to express dates correctly in German is an essential skill for both formal and informal situations. Remember to use ordinal numbers and be clear about the month and year when speaking formally. In informal settings, opting for cardinal numbers and abbreviations can help you express dates more casually. Additionally, be aware that regional variations in saying dates exist but are not universally recognized or used. Practice expressing dates regularly, and with time, you’ll feel more confident when discussing dates in German!
