Monat
/ˈmoːnat/masculine, neuter
The German word for 'month' is Monat.
Monat is a masculine noun used to describe a period into which a year is divided.
Meaning: period into which a year is divided (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Monat is Monate. Because Monat is a masculine noun, it must change to einen Monat when it is used as a direct object or to express duration in the accusative case. Additionally, when used as a combining form in compound nouns to mean 'month's' or 'of the month', an 's' is often inserted as a connecting element, resulting in Monats-.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoːnat/
Did you know?
- The word Monat is a close relative of Mond, meaning 'moon'. This reflects the ancient lunar calendar where a 'month' was defined by one full cycle of the moon.
- When describing a 'month of May' or 'month of June', Germans typically omit the word Monat entirely and simply say Mai or Juni.
- While Monat is the standard term, German has an archaic concept of the Mondmonat, referring specifically to a lunar month of about 29.5 days.
Examples in context
- Es dauerte einen Monat.It took a month.This sentence is useful for expressing how long something lasted using Monat.Tatoeba #3663669 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3273043 by CN
- Ich spende jeden Monat.I donate every month.This sentence is useful for describing a recurring monthly action using Monat.Tatoeba #5905756 by tutawomen, translation #5753409 by CM
- Ein Monat ist schon um.A month has already passed.This sentence is useful for stating that a single Monat has passed.Tatoeba #8154119 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2900277 by CK
- Ich bin im dritten Monat schwanger.I am in my third month of pregnancy.
- Der Februar ist ein kurzer Monat.February is a short month.
- Ich mag den langen Monat Juli.I like the long month of July.
- 856 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are discussing a project deadline.
- LukasWann ist die Deadline, Hannah?When is the deadline, Hannah?
- HannahDie Deadline ist in einem Monat.The deadline is in one month.
- LukasDas ist genug Zeit für uns.That is enough time for us.
- HannahJa, ein Monat reicht völlig aus.Yes, one month is completely sufficient.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “month” translations and entries Monat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
