eines Tages
/ˌaɪ̯nəs ˈtaːɡəs/
The English phrase "one day" can be translated into German as eines Tages.
eines Tages is used as an adverb to refer to an unspecified point in time.
Meaning: at unspecified time in the future (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "of one day" due to the use of the genitive case.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish eines Tages from einen Tag. While eines Tages refers to an unspecified time in the future or past, einen Tag refers to a specific duration of twenty-four hours.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the genitive case to express an indefinite point in time.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌaɪ̯nəs ˈtaːɡəs/
Did you know?
- The use of the genitive case in eines Tages is a rare survivor of the 'adverbial genitive'. This grammar rule was once common but has mostly disappeared from modern spoken German.
- The German word irgendwann, which often replaces eines Tages, literally translates to 'some-when' in English.
- While eines Tages sounds timeless, speakers often use irgendwann mal in casual speech to avoid sounding like they are reading from a book.
Examples in context
- Eines Tages ging er zum Arzt.One day he went to see the doctor.This sentence shows how to use eines Tages when describing a past event.Tatoeba #8791438 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #67154 by CK
- Eines Tages brachte er sich um.One day he killed himself.Tatoeba #2634517 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #67168 by CM
- Eines Tages wirst du verstehen.One day, you'll understand.This sentence shows how to use eines Tages when referring to a future realization.Tatoeba #5915174 by arved, translation #10303760 by CK
- Eines Tages werde ich nach Deutschland reisen.One day, I will travel to Germany.
- Irgendwann werde ich nach Berlin fahren.One day, I will go to Berlin.
- Wenn ich genug Zeit hätte, würde ich eines Tages nach Deutschland reisen.If I had enough time, I would travel to Germany one day.
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future travel plans at a cafe.
- JulianEines Tages werde ich nach Japan reisen.One day I will travel to Japan.
- SarahDas klingt nach einem tollen Plan, Julian.That sounds like a great plan, Julian.
- JulianIch hoffe, dass es bald klappt.I hope it works out soon.
- SarahDu schaffst das bestimmt, mein Lieber.You will certainly do it, my dear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one day” translations and entries eines Tages, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eines Tages, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
