Meaning
Describing the weather condition of sunshine.
Cultural Background
Germans often use the term 'Kaiserwetter' (Emperor's weather) to describe a day that is exceptionally sunny and blue-skied, especially in winter or in the mountains. In the Alps, 'sonnig' can be dangerous due to high UV reflection on snow. Austrians might warn you to wear 'Sonnencreme' even if it feels cold. On Instagram, Germans use hashtags like #Sonnenschein or #VitaminD to celebrate sunny days, often accompanied by photos of coffee or nature.
The '-ig' Rule
Most weather adjectives in German end in '-ig' (windig, regnerisch, neblig). Learning this pattern helps you guess new weather words!
Avoid 'Ich bin'
Never say 'Ich bin sonnig' to describe your mood unless you want to sound like a character in a children's book.
Meaning
Describing the weather condition of sunshine.
The '-ig' Rule
Most weather adjectives in German end in '-ig' (windig, regnerisch, neblig). Learning this pattern helps you guess new weather words!
Avoid 'Ich bin'
Never say 'Ich bin sonnig' to describe your mood unless you want to sound like a character in a children's book.
Small Talk Gold
Talking about the sun is the safest and most common way to start a conversation with a stranger in Germany.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Heute ___ es sonnig.
Weather adjectives in German use the verb 'sein' (ist).
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'It is sunny'?
'Es ist sonnig' is the standard neutral form.
Match the German to the English.
Weather pairs
Matching basic weather adjectives.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wie ist das Wetter? B: ________.
Only 'Es ist sonnig' answers the question about weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Weather Adjectives
Sun
- • sonnig
- • heiter
- • hell
Water
- • regnerisch
- • nass
- • neblig
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHeute ___ es sonnig.
Weather adjectives in German use the verb 'sein' (ist).
How do you say 'It is sunny'?
'Es ist sonnig' is the standard neutral form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching basic weather adjectives.
A: Wie ist das Wetter? B: ________.
Only 'Es ist sonnig' answers the question about weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, that's like saying 'It is sun'. You need the adjective 'sonnig' or the phrase '{die|f} Sonne scheint'.
'Sonnig' is everyday language. 'Heiter' is used by weather forecasters to mean 'clear' or 'fair'.
Yes, but only as 'ein sonniges Gemüt' (a sunny disposition). You wouldn't say 'Du bist sonnig'.
Use the Präteritum: 'Es war sonnig'.
Not at all! In German winters, it can be 'eiskalt' (ice cold) and 'sonnig' at the same time.
People might say 'Kaiserwetter' for a perfect sunny day, or 'Die Sonne knallt' (The sun is banging/hitting hard) if it's very intense.
Related Phrases
{die|f} Sonne scheint
synonymThe sun is shining
strahlend blau
similarRadiantly blue (sky)
bewölkt
contrastCloudy
heiter
specialized formFair/Clear
