The German word for sun is die Sonne.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or just checking the forecast, Sonne in German is a must-have word for weather reports, moods, and metaphors. It also shows up in cultural references, poetry, and everyday greetings.

It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (and you can get the illustrated PDF for free right here).

Gender and Pronunciation

It’s a feminine noun: die Sonne.
Need help locking down genders for good? This video lesson teaches patterns that make it simple.

Pronunciation:
Sonne is pronounced [ZON-nuh]

• “ZON” rhymes with “gone” (with a soft ‘z’)

• Ends in “nuh” like “sofa”
  Two syllables: ZON-nuh

Example sentences

Heute scheint die Sonne.

The sun is shining today.

Die Sonne geht früh unter im Winter.

The sun sets early in winter.

Ich liebe es, in der Sonne zu sitzen.

I love sitting in the sun.

How does this word come up in real conversations?

"Endlich Sonne! Ich dachte, der Regen hört nie auf."

Finally sun! I thought the rain would never stop.

"Die Sonne tut mir richtig gut."

The sun really does me good.

"Wenn die Sonne scheint, bin ich besser drauf."

I’m in a better mood when the sun shines.

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Tobi: Es ist so schön draußen heute!
Lina: Ja – Sonne, blauer Himmel, keine Wolke.
Tobi: Lass uns ein Eis holen und spazieren gehen.
Lina: Super Idee!

Translation:
Tobi: It’s so nice outside today!
Lina: Yes—sun, blue sky, no clouds.
Tobi: Let’s get some ice cream and go for a walk.
Lina: Great idea!

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Die Sonne scheint.

The sun is shining.

Accusative:
Ich genieße die Sonne.

I enjoy the sun.

Dative:
Mit der Sonne im Rücken fühlt es sich besser an.

It feels better with the sun at your back.

Genitive:
Die Wärme der Sonne ist angenehm.

The warmth of the sun is pleasant.

Other ways to say sun in German

While Sonne is the clear word for sun in German, there are poetic or compound terms that shift the tone. In literature or romantic contexts, you might see Gestirn (celestial body) or Himmelskörper. In slang or emotion, someone full of light and positivity might be called a Sonnenschein (sunshine). Meanwhile, weather phrases like Sonnenaufgang (sunrise), Sonnenuntergang (sunset), and Sonnenstrahlen (sun rays) help describe time and mood more vividly.

Word variations and tidbits

The word Sonne shines in compound terms like Sonnenbrille (sunglasses), Sonnencreme (sunscreen), Sonnenbrand (sunburn), Sonnenaufgang (sunrise), and Sonnenuntergang (sunset). Emotionally, Sonnenschein is often used to describe children or loved ones. Idiomatic expressions include Gute Laune kommt mit der Sonne (Good mood comes with the sun) or jemandem die Sonne ins Herz scheinen lassen (to bring joy to someone’s heart).

📘 Duden entry for Sonne
🎥 Want to bring more light to your German? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns—with vivid examples, grammar support, and a printable PDF that’ll keep your learning shining bright.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Spaß means? It usually comes out when the Sonne is shining.
And what about Spion? He prefers to work when the Sonne is gone.