bist du müde?
The English phrase "are you tired?" is translated into German as bist du müde?
This phrase is used to ask if someone feels a need for sleep or rest.
Which one should you use?
bist du müde? is used for one person you are on familiar terms with, whereas sind Sie müde? is the formal singular/plural version.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use sind Sie müde? when addressing a stranger, a superior or in a professional setting. Use seid ihr müde? when asking a group of people you know well, such as friends or children.
When do people say it?
A standard affirmative response to bist du müde? is Ja, ich bin müde, while a standard negative response is Nein, ich bin nicht müde.
Did you know?
- If someone is 'tired' of a habit, a German might say they are müde of it, but it is more common to use the phrase die Nase voll haben, meaning 'to have the nose full'.
- In some German dialects, people might use the word kaputt to say they are tired, which literally means 'broken' or 'destroyed'.
- In a very casual setting, instead of asking Bist du müde?, a German might simply ask Bist du k.o.?, using the English abbreviation for 'knock out' to mean exhausted.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, sind Sie müde? Ich kann Ihnen einen Kaffee anbieten.Excuse me, are you tired? I can offer you a coffee.
- Bist du müde? Du könntest ein Nickerchen machen, wenn du möchtest.Are you tired? You could take a nap if you want.
- Fühlst du dich müde? Lass uns einen Energiedrink holen.Do you feel tired? Let's get an energy drink.
- Bist du müde?Are you tired?
- Du siehst blass aus, bist du müde?You look pale, are you tired?
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are sitting on the sofa in the evening.
- LukasDu gähnst viel, bist du müde?You are yawning a lot, are you tired?
- JuliaJa, ich bin sehr müde.Yes, I am very tired.
- LukasSoll ich das Licht ausmachen?Should I turn off the light?
- JuliaJa, bitte, gute Nacht, Lukas.Yes, please, good night, Lukas.
