Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Guet Nacht | |
| Schlaf guet | informal |
Among family and close friends, Swiss speakers also say Schlaf guet, 'sleep well', often right alongside Guet Nacht.
What does it mean word for word?
Guet Nacht is the Swiss spelling of 'good night'. Schlaf guet is a direct instruction to sleep well, built from the verb schlafe, 'to sleep'.
Which one should you use?
Guet Nacht is the standard farewell before bed. Schlaf guet adds a warmer, more personal touch and is often used together with it.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual and used at home, though Guet Nacht alone is also fine in slightly more formal settings, such as a guesthouse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase is used the same way across German-speaking Switzerland, with only small vowel shifts between regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither phrase changes with the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
Swiss Nacht keeps the ch sound soft, made at the back of the mouth, unlike the harder sound in some Standard German regions.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Standard German Gute Nacht is understood but sounds slightly imported. The Swiss form drops the final e: Guet Nacht.
When do people say it?
Saying Guet Nacht, schlaf guet together, back to back, is common in Swiss households, especially with children.
Did you know?
- Swiss German drops the final e found in Standard German Gute, which is why the Swiss form is simply Guet Nacht.
- Träum öppis Schöns, 'dream something nice', is a common extra line Swiss parents add after Guet Nacht with children.
Examples in context
- Guet Nacht, schlaf guet.Good night, sleep well.
- Ich gang jetzt ins Bett, guet Nacht.I am going to bed now, good night.
Example conversation
Martina tucks her son Timo into bed.
- MartinaGuet Nacht, Timo.Good night, Timo.
- TimoGuet Nacht, Mami.Good night, mom.
- MartinaSchlaf guet und träum öppis Schöns.Sleep well and dream something nice.
- TimoMerci, bis morn.Thanks, see you tomorrow.
