Gute Nacht
neutral
In Austrian German "good night" is Gute Nacht. Friends and family also say Schlaf gut, "sleep well". It is also called Schlaf gut und träum was Schönes.
Meaning: night farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Gute Nacht | neutral |
| Schlaf gut | warm |
| Schlaf gut und träum was Schönes | affectionate |
Gute Nacht is said when going to bed or leaving late at night. With children, parents add Schlaf gut und träum was Schönes, meaning "sleep well and dream of something nice".
Which one should you use?
Nothing special changes in Austria for this phrase. Austrians use the same Gute Nacht as the rest of the German-speaking world.
Did you know?
- Gute Nacht is never used as a greeting on arrival, only on parting.
Examples in context
- Gute Nacht, bis morgen!Good night, see you tomorrow!
- Schlaf gut, Mama.Sleep well, Mom.
- Gute Nacht und träum was Schönes.Good night and dream of something nice.
Example conversation
Anna puts her son Leo to bed in Graz.
- AnnaGute Nacht, Leo.Good night, Leo.
- LeoGute Nacht, Mama.Good night, Mom.
- AnnaSchlaf gut und träum was Schönes.Sleep well and dream of something nice.
