What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "a nice day still!", where noch implies "for the remainder of the day".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schönen Tag noch! is a common, clipped version of the phrase. For a more complete and formal sound, you can use Einen schönen Tag noch! If you want to be very formal, you can say Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag! In informal settings, you might use Hab einen schönen Tag!, Genieß den Tag! or Lass es dir gut gehen heute!
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Schönen Tag noch!, the word Schönen uses the accusative masculine ending because the implied verb is Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag (I wish you a nice day).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnən taːk nɔ/
When do people say it?
When someone wishes you a nice day, the standard response is to say Danke, gleichfalls! or Danke, ebenfalls!, which means "Thanks, likewise!" If you are parting ways on a Friday or Saturday, you can replace Tag with Wochenende to say Schönes Wochenende! (Have a nice weekend!).
Did you know?
- The word Tag is the root of Reichstag, the German parliament building. In old legal texts, Tag referred to a fixed day for a meeting or debate rather than just a 24 hour period.
- In Germany, wishing someone a Schönen Tag is often more a social ritual of closing a transaction than a genuine wish, especially in supermarkets and bakeries.
- If you are in a professional setting, using Schönen Tag noch! without the initial Einen can sometimes sound too abrupt or casual to very traditional speakers.
Examples in context
- Tschüss, bis später! Hab einen schönen Tag!Bye, see you later! Have a great day!
- Tschüss, schönen Tag noch!Bye, have a great day!
- Ja, schönen Tag noch!Yes, have a great day!
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are leaving a small cafe.
- LukasTschüss, Sarah!Bye, Sarah!
- SarahTschüss, Lukas. Schönen Tag noch!Bye, Lukas. Have a great day!
- LukasDanke, gleichfalls!Thanks, same to you!
- SarahBis bald!See you soon!
