gute Nacht, mein Schatz
The English phrase "good night, my love" can be translated into German as gute Nacht, mein Schatz.
This phrase is a romantic way to say goodbye to a partner before they go to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "good night, my treasure". The term Schatz literally means treasure and is the most common German term of endearment for a romantic partner.
Which one should you use?
While Schatz is the most common term of endearment, Liebling is slightly more old-fashioned or formal in its romantic tone. You can also use Gute Nacht, Liebling to say "Good night, darling". Other affectionate ways to say good night include Schlaf schön, mein Liebling, which wishes a loved one beautiful dreams and a peaceful sleep and Träum süß, mein Herz, which means "Dream sweetly, my heart".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective gut takes the -e ending because Nacht is a feminine noun in the accusative case used for greetings.
Did you know?
- While Schatz means 'treasure', it shares an ancient root with the English word 'cattle', as livestock was once the primary form of wealth.
- In many German-speaking regions, calling a partner Schatz is so standard that it is used by everyone from romantic couples to parents addressing their children.
- Because Schatz is used so frequently, some couples use the diminutive Schatzi to make the phrase sound even more playful or intimate.
Examples in context
- Schlaf gut, gute Nacht, mein Schatz.Sleep well, good night, my love.
- Ich liebe dich, gute Nacht, mein Schatz.I love you, good night, my love.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are saying goodbye at the bedroom door.
- MaximilianEs ist Zeit zu schlafen.It is time to sleep.
- SarahJa, gute Nacht, mein Schatz.Yes, good night, my love.
- MaximilianTräum was Schönes, Sarah.Dream something beautiful, Sarah.
- SarahDu auch, Maximilian.You too, Maximilian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nacht, Schatz, mein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
