Whether you're learning German for travel, work, or simply for the love of languages, knowing how to bid someone a good night is a crucial part of daily conversation.
Depending on the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to, you might choose a different phrase or level of formality.
Gute Nacht - (goo-te nakt)
This is the most direct way to say "Good Night" in German. It's a neutral phrase that's appropriate in most situations, whether you're saying goodnight to a family member, friend, or colleague.
Schlaf gut - (shlaf goot) "Schlaf gut" translates to "Sleep well". It's a warm, friendly phrase often used when saying goodnight to close friends or family members.
Schlaf schön - (shlaf shurn) This phrase translates to "Sleep beautifully". It's a more poetic way to wish someone a good night and is often used with loved ones.
Schönen Nachmittag Noch - (sho-nen nakh-mit-tahk nohkh) "Schönen Nachmittag noch" is often used when ending a conversation and you want to wish someone a nice rest of the afternoon.
Träum süß - (troy-m suess) This phrase means "Dream sweet". It's a playful and affectionate way to say goodnight, particularly to children or loved ones.
Gute Nacht und süße Träume - (goo-te nakt oont suess-uh troy-muh) This translates to "Good night and sweet dreams". It's a slightly more formal and comprehensive way to wish someone a good night and is appropriate in a variety of situations.
Nacht - (nakt) This is a casual, abbreviated form of "Gute Nacht". It's often used among friends and in informal settings.
Don't hesistate to try out as many of these phrases as you can. Gute Nacht!
Practice your spoken German today with our 5-day free trial. Join our friendly meetups and speak to native speakers and make friends.