Zahltag
/ˈtsaːlˌtaːk/masculine
The English phrase 'payday' is translated into German as Zahltag.
Zahltag refers to the specific day on which an employee receives their salary.
Meaning: day on which an employee's salary is paid (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Zahltag is the standard term, you may also encounter Gehaltstag, which specifically refers to the day the salary is paid. For a more formal context, the term Auszahlungstermin can be used to express the concept of payday.
How does it change in a sentence?
Zahltag is a masculine noun. When it serves as the direct object of a sentence, it takes the accusative form den Zahltag. When expressing possession or relation in the genitive case, the word takes an '-s' ending, becoming des Zahltags.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsaːlˌtaːk/
Did you know?
- In Germany, the concept of Zahltag often coincides with the end of the month rather than a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, as most salaries are paid on the last working day of the month.
- While Zahltag is the literal translation, Germans often use the expression das Geld ist da, meaning 'the money is there', to announce that it is payday.
- The word zahlen inside Zahltag is a cognate of the English word 'toll', as both derive from a root meaning to count or calculate.
Examples in context
- Ist heute Zahltag?Is today payday?This sentence is useful for asking if it is currently Zahltag.Tatoeba #8812498 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3071654 by sharptoothed
- Morgen ist Zahltag.Tomorrow is payday.This sentence is useful for stating that Zahltag occurs tomorrow.Tatoeba #1357982 by Manfredo, translation #831675 by CM
- Das Wetter ist schlecht, und morgen ist Zahltag ist. Deswegen gehe ich heut’ nicht aus.The weather is bad and it's the day before payday, so I won't go out today.This sentence shows how to mention the time around Zahltag in a sentence.Tatoeba #5805788 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4635764 by CK
- Nächster Gehaltstag ist der 30. des Monats.Next payday is the 30th of the month.
- Heute ist endlich Zahltag!Today is finally payday!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are talking about their budget.
- SarahWann ist eigentlich Zahltag?When is payday, actually?
- JulianUnser Zahltag ist immer am Monatende.Our payday is always at the end of the month.
- SarahDann kann ich endlich das Ticket kaufen.Then I can finally buy the ticket.
- JulianJa, ich warte auch schon darauf.Yes, I've been waiting for it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “payday” translations and entries Zahltag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
