Lunch break. Sunshine. Rest. Activity. Noon is a turning point in the day, and in German, it’s expressed with its own short, practical word. Knowing how to say noon in German opens up time-related vocabulary that you’ll use all the time — from appointments to idioms.
The German word for noon is der Mittag. It’s masculine, and the plural form die Mittage is rare but correct. If you're still figuring out when to use der, die, or das, my gender video course gives you a fast and solid overview.
Mittag is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German — especially in compound words like Mittagessen (lunch), Mittagspause (lunch break), or Mittagsschlaf (nap after lunch).
Here are compact examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Der Mittag ist sonnig.
Noon is sunny.
Accusative:
Wir treffen uns am Mittag.
We’ll meet at noon.
Dative:
Nach dem Mittag wurde es ruhiger.
After noon, it got quieter.
Genitive:
Die Hitze des Mittags war kaum auszuhalten.
The heat of noon was unbearable.
Mittag typically refers to the time around 12:00, and it's often used with:
am Mittag – at noon
gegen Mittag – around noon
bis Mittag – by noon
Verbs that work well with Mittag: beginnen, verbringen, verabreden, genießen, schlafen.
Adjectives include heiß (hot), still (quiet), hektisch (hectic), ruhig (peaceful), and streng (intense).
Culturally, Germans often treat Mittag as a mini break in the day. Many stores close for a Mittagspause, and schools may end by Mittag. It's also the root of several common expressions:
Bis spätestens Mittag! – No later than noon!
Am Mittag ist es am heißesten. – It’s hottest at noon.
Here’s a short beginner dialogue using the word naturally:
A: Was machst du am Mittag?
B: Meistens gehe ich spazieren oder ruhe mich aus.
A: What do you do at noon?
B: I usually go for a walk or rest.
Your turn! Think of your answer and say it out loud using Mittag in your sentence.
“Wie sieht dein typischer Mittag aus?”
What does your typical noon look like?
You don’t have to write it — just speak the sentence clearly. It’s a powerful habit for making vocabulary active.
German Word of the Day
Now you’ve learned how to say noon in German — and how der Mittag links to meals, breaks, heat, and everyday rhythm. Words like this make your language feel real, lived, and local.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and keep learning with context and confidence.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Mühe — and learn how to express care, strain, and trying your best.
Or revisit Name — and master introductions, questions, and identity vocabulary.