Sonnenuntergang
/ˈzɔnənˌʊntɐɡaŋ/masculine
The German word for sunset is Sonnenuntergang.
Sonnenuntergang is a masculine noun used to describe the time of day when the sun disappears below the horizon. If you want to specifically describe the red or golden colors in the sky, you might use Abendrot (evening-red) or use Abendglühen (evening glow) to describe the warm light that envelops the sky during this time.
Meaning: time of day (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Sonne (sun), unter (under/below) and Gang (walk/going/path), literally meaning 'sun down going'.
Which one should you use?
While Sonnenuntergang refers to the sunset, the term for sunrise is Sonnenaufgang.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Sonnenuntergang is Sonnenuntergänge. When using the genitive case to say 'of the sunset', the word becomes des Sonnenuntergangs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɔnənˌʊntɐɡaŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Untergang in Sonnenuntergang is also used to describe the 'downfall' or 'collapse' of an empire or a civilization.
- The word Gang in Sonnenuntergang can also refer to a 'gear' in a car or a 'corridor' in a building, showing how a single word for 'movement' or 'path' branches into many mechanical and architectural meanings.
- Because German is a language of compound words, you can create very specific terms like Sonnenuntergangsstimmung to describe the specific 'mood' of a sunset.
Examples in context
- Es ist bald Sonnenuntergang.It'll soon be sunset.This sentence shows how to state that sunset is approaching.Tatoeba #12408160 by Waldelfe, translation #2771655 by CK
- Ein schöner Sonnenuntergang, oder?Lovely sunset, isn't it?This sentence is useful for making a comment about a sunset.Tatoeba #8120878 by dasbeispielholz, translation #63076 by CK
- Es wurde kalt nach Sonnenuntergang.It got cold after sunset.This sentence shows how to describe something happening after the sunset.Tatoeba #5879769 by dasbeispielholz, translation #4570598 by Raizin
- Der Sonnenuntergang heute Abend war atemberaubend schön.The sunset this evening was breathtakingly beautiful.
- Lass uns die Abenddämmerung im Park bewundern.Let's admire the evening twilight in the park.
- Wir wünschen dir einen wundervollen Sonnenuntergang!We wish you a wonderful sunset!
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are standing on a balcony watching the evening sky.
- HannahDer Sonnenuntergang heute ist wirklich spektakulär.The sunset today is truly spectacular.
- LukasJa, die Farben sind wunderschön.Yes, the colors are beautiful.
- HannahMöchtest du ein Foto machen, Lukas?Do you want to take a photo, Lukas?
- LukasGerne, ich bereite mein Handy vor.Gladly, I'll get my phone ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunset” translations and entries Sonnenuntergang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
