Gute Nacht, süße Träume
The English phrase "good night sweet dreams" is translated into German as Gute Nacht, süße Träume.
Gute Nacht, süße Träume is primarily used in intimate or familial settings, such as when saying goodnight to a partner, child or close family member.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a literal translation where Gute Nacht means "good night" and süße Träume means "sweet dreams".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Gute Nacht, the adjective gut takes the -e ending to agree with the feminine singular noun Nacht. In the phrase süße Träume, the adjective süße takes the -e ending because it modifies a plural noun in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- While 'sweet dreams' is common, Germans often use the phrase Schlaf gut (sleep well) or Träum was Schönes (dream something beautiful) instead of a literal translation of 'sweet'.
- The word süße in süße Träume comes from süß, which is used not only for taste but also as a common term of endearment for people, similar to 'sweetie'.
- The word Nacht is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'night' and the Latin 'nox', as they all stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Schlaf gut und träum süß, mein lieber Freund!Sleep well and dream sweetly, my dear friend!
- Ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Nacht und süße Träume, Frau/Herr Müller.I wish you a good night and sweet dreams, Mrs./Mr. Müller.
- Hab eine gute Nacht und süße Träume, meine liebe Schwester.Have a good night and sweet dreams, my dear sister.
- Gute Nacht, süße Träume!Good night, sweet dreams!
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before going to sleep in their apartment.
- MaximilianIch gehe jetzt ins Bett. Gute Nacht, süße Träume, Laura!I'm going to bed now. Good night, sweet dreams, Laura!
- LauraDanke, Maximilian. Schlaf auch gut!Thanks, Maximilian. Sleep well too!
- MaximilianBis morgen früh.See you tomorrow morning.
- LauraBis morgen!See you tomorrow!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nacht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
