Schönen Tag noch!
/ˈʃøːnən taːk nɔ/word by word
Schönen Tag noch! is the German way to say "have a good day".
This phrase is a polite greeting used when saying goodbye to someone to wish them well for the rest of the day. It is most commonly used in service situations, such as when leaving a shop, a cafe or ending a transaction with a stranger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Beautiful day still!", where noch implies "for the remainder of the day".
How does it change in a sentence?
Schönen Tag noch! is an elliptical construction where the verb haben (to have) and the subject Sie (you) are omitted.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnən taːk nɔ/
When do people say it?
When someone says this to you, a common and natural response is Danke, gleichfalls!, meaning "Thanks, likewise!" You can also use the more concise response Ebenfalls!, which means "Likewise!"
Did you know?
- The word Tag is also used in names for German parliamentary bodies, such as the Reichstag or Landtag, because it once specifically meant a fixed day for a meeting or debate.
- While Schönen Tag noch! is polite, using the shorter Tag! as a greeting can sound curt or overly casual depending on the region and tone.
- Although Schönen Tag noch! is used for the rest of the day, once the sun sets, Germans switch to wishing someone a Schönen Abend, as it would be strange to wish a 'good day' at night.
Examples in context
- Danke, Ihnen auch einen schönen Tag noch!Thanks, have a good day too!
- Tschüss, schönen Tag noch!Bye, have a good day!
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are leaving a small cafe.
- JuliaTschüss, Lukas!Bye, Lukas!
- LukasSchönen Tag noch, Julia!Have a good day, Julia!
- JuliaDanke, dir auch einen schönen Tag noch!Thanks, have a good day too!
- LukasBis bald!See you soon!
