Lesson 19.4 Syntax and Translation Question

I'm confused by the syntax of the following German phrase and the translation. Ja, und als Belohnung für die harte Arbeit haben wir beschlossen heute nett zum Abendessen zu gehen. Yes, and as a reward for the hard work we have decided to go out for a nice dinner today. "Nice" could be used as an adverb, e.g. "we decided today it would be nice to go out for dinner" or as an adjective e.g. "we decided to go out for a nice dinner today". It is translated like the latter usage. However, if that is the correct translation shouldn't the German have been "..zu einem nett Abendessen" ? It seems like the "nett" is out of place to be used as an adjective, If, however, the sentence means we decided it would be nice to go out to dinner, then I also don't understand that syntax because litterally it translates to "Yes, and as a reward for the hard work we have decided today nice to go to dinner." Maybe that is correct construction in German, but I was looking for the equivalent of "it would be nice". I'll thank you in advance for your reply since I will be leaving on vacation shortly and won't get back to RG for a couple of weeks starting Saturday. thanks, Byron

Hi Byron, You are right you could also say ' ...zu einem netten Abendessen zu gehen.' The version in the lesson however is more common. As 'nett' is an adverb here the translation would be 'nicely' but you wouldn't say in English'..going out nicely for a evening dinner.' "It would be nice." in German is "Es wäre nett /Es wäre schön." Enjoy your trip! Paul