What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Beautiful 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 standard, slightly informal way to end an interaction in shops or with acquaintances. For a strictly formal setting, you might use Haben Sie einen schönen Tag. or the more elaborate Ihnen einen wunderschönen Tag wünschend. Conversely, if you are speaking informally with friends, you can use Hab einen guten Tag, Wünsche dir einen schönen Tag, or Einen fantastischen Tag für dich.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you may hear the variation Machs guad heid! to mean "Have a good day!"
How does it change in a sentence?
Schönen Tag noch! is an elliptical construction where the verb haben (to have) and the subject ich wünsche Ihnen (I wish you) are omitted.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃøːnən taːk nɔ/
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to Schönen Tag noch! is Danke, gleichfalls!, which means "Thanks, the same to you!"
Did you know?
- The adjective schönen in Schönen Tag noch! is in the accusative case. This is because the phrase implies the hidden action of 'wishing' someone a day.
- The word Tag was historically used in legal documents to refer to a fixed day for a meeting or a debate. This usage survives in the names of German parliaments like the Reichstag and Landtag.
- While the phrase sounds like a wish for a 'beautiful' day, the word schön in German can also mean 'handsome' or 'lovely' when describing people.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen! Haben Sie einen schönen Tag.Good morning! Have a nice day.
- Guten Tag! Hab einen guten Tag.Good day! Have a good day.
- Tschüss, einen schönen Tag noch!Bye, have a good day!
- Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag noch!I wish you a good day!
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are finishing their conversation at a cafe.
- LukasEs war schön, dich zu sehen, Hannah.It was nice to see you, Hannah.
- HannahJa, mir auch! Bis bald, Lukas.Yes, me too! See you soon, Lukas.
- LukasSchönen Tag noch!Have a good day!
- HannahDanke, dir auch!Thanks, you too!
