What does it mean word for word?
The phrase schönes Wochenende literally translates to "nice weekend". The word schönes is the adjective schön (nice/beautiful) in its neuter nominative or accusative form to match the neuter noun Wochenende.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The most common way to say this is to drop the verb, such as in Schönes Wochenende!, which is appropriate for casual, everyday settings like shops or with colleagues. For more formal situations, you can use full sentences like Ich wünsche Ihnen ein schönes Wochenende (I wish you a nice weekend) or Ich wünsche Ihnen ein erholsames Wochenende (I wish you a relaxing weekend). You might also use the respectful, formal phrase Genießen Sie das Wochenende (Enjoy the weekend). In informal settings, you can say Schönes Wochenende und viel Spaß! (Have a nice weekend and lots of fun!) or Lass es dir am Wochenende gut gehen! (Enjoy yourself this weekend!).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you may encounter the variations Schönes Wochenend!, Hab a scheens Wochenend! or Hab a guads Wochenend!
How does it change in a sentence?
When used in a full sentence, such as Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende, the phrase takes the accusative case, which is why the adjective schönes uses the -es ending.
When do people say it?
A standard way to respond to this wish is to say Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, same to you!).
Did you know?
- While 'Wochenende' is used today, it is actually a relatively modern concept that only entered widespread German use around 1920, following the influence of the English 'weekend'.
- In Germany, it is common to say schönes Wochenende as early as Thursday afternoon if you know you will not see a colleague or acquaintance again before Saturday.
- The word Wochenende is a compound noun, a common feature of German where concepts like 'end of the week' are fused into a single word.
Examples in context
- Verbringt ein schönes Wochenende!Have a nice weekend.This sentence shows how to use the phrase in an imperative command.Tatoeba #6600444 by ruth_tatoeba, translation #21294 by CK
- Schönes Wochenende.Have a nice weekend!This sentence shows the common, shortened way to wish someone a nice weekend.Tatoeba #528401 by kroko, translation #325845 by CK
- Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende!I wish you a nice weekend!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are leaving the office on a Friday afternoon.
- LukasBis Montag, Sarah!See you Monday, Sarah!
- SarahTschüss, Lukas! Dir auch ein schönes Wochenende.Bye, Lukas! A nice weekend to you, too.
- LukasDanke, mach's gut!Thanks, take care!
- SarahDu auch!You too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wochenende, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
