What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "a beautiful day still", where noch implies the rest of the day.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can say Schönen Tag noch! by dropping the einen for a slightly more casual and common expression. For a formal approach in professional contexts, you can use Einen angenehmen Tag wünsche ich Ihnen (I wish you a pleasant day) or Möge Ihr Tag wunderbar sein (may your day be wonderful). In informal settings, you can use Hab einen schönen Tag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, you may hear Habadere scheanedn Dog! In Northern Germany, a variation is Hab einen schönen Tach!
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase einen schönen Tag noch uses the accusative case because it is an elliptical form of Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag noch (I wish you a beautiful day still).
When do people say it?
When someone wishes you a lovely day, a common and natural response is Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, likewise!).
Did you know?
- The word Tag is the root of many official German assembly names, such as Reichstag or Landtag, which refers to a fixed day for meetings or debates.
- The word noch is an ancient blend of the Proto-Indo-European words for 'now' and 'also'.
- The verb tagen specifically means 'to hold a meeting', derived from the same root as Tag.
Examples in context
- Alles klar! Hab einen schönen Tag und viel Spaß beim Einkaufen!Alright! Have a lovely day and enjoy shopping!
- Vielen Dank! Möge Ihr Tag wunderbar sein.Thank you very much! May your day be wonderful.
- Tschüss, einen schönen Tag noch.Bye, have a lovely day.
- Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag noch.I wish you a lovely day.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are leaving a coffee shop.
- LauraTschüss, Julian!Bye, Julian!
- JulianTschüss, Laura. Einen schönen Tag noch!Bye, Laura. Have a lovely day!
- LauraDanke, gleichfalls!Thanks, same to you!
- JulianBis bald.See you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tag, noch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
