Schöne Woche
/ˈʃøːnə ˈvɔxə/word by word
The English phrase "have a good week" is translated into German as Schöne Woche.
This phrase is a friendly parting wish used to hope that someone enjoys the coming week.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The shortened form Schöne Woche! is common in casual, everyday interactions like at a bakery or with colleagues. The full sentence Ich wünsche Ihnen eine schöne Woche is a more formal way to express the same sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is an elliptical construction where the verb 'haben' (to have) and the article 'eine' (a) are omitted.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnə ˈvɔxə/
Did you know?
- The German word Woche shares a common ancestor with the English word 'week'. Both originate from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to bend, wind or turn'.
- In Germany, wishing someone a Schöne Woche usually happens on a Monday or Tuesday. By Wednesday, people typically switch to wishing a Schönes Wochenende for the coming weekend.
- Depending on the region, a German might reply to Schöne Woche with Gleichfalls, which means 'likewise' or 'same to you'.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Woche.I wish you a good week.
- Ich hoffe, Sie haben eine gute Woche.I hope you have a good week.
- Hab' eine gute Woche!Have a good week!
- Mach's gut in der neuen Woche!Take care in the new week!
- Hab' eine gute Woche, Peter!Have a good week, Peter!
- Möge deine Woche voller Freude und Erfolg sein!May your week be full of joy and success!
- Habt eine gute Woche, ihr Lieben!Have a good week, dear ones!
- Viel Glück und eine wunderschöne Woche!Good luck and have a wonderful week!
- Schöne Woche noch!Have a good rest of the week!
- Ich wünsche dir eine schöne Woche.I wish you a lovely week.
- Schöne Woche allen zusammen!Have a good week, everyone!
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are saying goodbye at a cafe on a Monday morning.
- LukasBis bald, Julia!See you soon, Julia!
- JuliaTschüss, Lukas! Schöne Woche!Bye, Lukas! Have a good week!
- LukasDanke, gleichfalls!Thanks, same to you!
- JuliaDanke, mach's gut!Thanks, take care!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Schöne, Woche) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schöne, Woche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
