die Nacht
night
The period between sunset and sunrise when it is dark.
EXAMPLE
In der Nacht schlafen die meisten Menschen.
At night, most people sleep.
die Nacht
night
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Meanings
über Nacht
overnight
An expression meaning that something happens very suddenly or in a very short time.
EXAMPLE
Durch das virale Video wurde er quasi über Nacht berühmt.
Because of the viral video, he became famous practically overnight.
gute Nacht
good night
A greeting you say before you or another person goes to sleep.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin müde, ich gehe jetzt ins Bett. Gute Nacht!
I’m tired, I’m going to bed now. Good night!
die Nacht
night
Used to describe an event that takes place during the night.
EXAMPLE
Die 'Lange Nacht der Museen' zieht jedes Jahr viele Besucher an.
The 'Long Night of Museums' attracts many visitors every year.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'übernachten' (to stay overnight) and the adjective 'nächtlich' (nightly, nocturnal) are derived from 'die Nacht' (night). These words are very useful in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben bei Freunden in Berlin übernachtet.
We stayed overnight with friends in Berlin.
'in der Nacht' vs. 'nachts'
There are two ways to express 'nachts' (at night): the adverb 'nachts' describes a general habit. The prepositional phrase 'in der Nacht' refers to a specific night.
EXAMPLE
Nachts sind alle Katzen grau.
At night, all cats are gray.
Figurative meaning
The expression 'über Nacht' (overnight) is often not used literally, but figuratively. It then means 'very suddenly' or 'in an extremely short time'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist mit seinem ersten Roman über Nacht zum Star geworden.
With his first novel, he became a star overnight.
Cultural context
The format 'Die lange Nacht der ...' (The Long Night of ...) is very popular in Germany. For example, there is the 'Lange Nacht der Museen' (Long Night of Museums) or the 'Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften' (Long Night of Sciences), where institutions stay open until late at night.
EXAMPLE
Am Samstag gehe ich zur Langen Nacht der Museen.
On Saturday I’m going to the Long Night of Museums.
Fixed expressions
There are several fixed idioms with 'Nacht' (night). 'Die Nacht zum Tag machen' means to party all night. 'Eine schlaflose Nacht haben' means to be unable to sleep.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party haben wir die ganze Nacht getanzt und die Nacht zum Tag gemacht.
At the party, we danced all night and turned night into day.
Compare with
Nacht vs Abend
evening
“Die Nacht” and “der Abend” both refer to the late part of the day. “Guten Abend” is the usual greeting when meeting someone in the evening, while “Gute Nacht” is usually said when saying goodbye before going to bed. So choose based on whether the meeting is beginning or someone is going to sleep.
Nacht
Vor dem Schlafengehen sagte ich meiner Schwester: „Gute Nacht!“
Before going to bed, I said to my sister, “Gute Nacht!”
Abend
Als ich um sieben Uhr ankam, begrüßte ich meine Schwester mit „Guten Abend!“
When I arrived at seven o’clock, I greeted my sister with “Guten Abend!”
In real life
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