Schlafenszeit
[ˈʃlaːfn̩sˌt͡saɪ̯t]feminine
The German word for bedtime is Schlafenszeit. Wiktionary also lists Zeit zum Schlafengehen and Zeit ins Bett zu gehen.
Meaning: time when one goes to bed to sleep (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schlafenszeit | [ˈʃlaːfn̩sˌt͡saɪ̯t] (narrow) | feminine |
| Zeit zum Schlafengehen | feminine | |
| Zeit ins Bett zu gehen | feminine | |
| Zeit zu Bett zu gehen | feminine |
Bedtime refers to the time when one goes to bed to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schlafenszeit is a compound of Schlafens (of sleeping) and Zeit (time), meaning 'sleeping time'.
Which one should you use?
Schlafenszeit is a concise, standard noun used to refer to the concept of bedtime. In contrast, the longer phrases Zeit zum Schlafengehen, Zeit ins Bett zu gehen and Zeit zu Bett zu gehen are more descriptive and are used in more casual or explanatory contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schlafenszeit is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine article die (die Schlafenszeit). All forms provided are feminine.
Did you know?
- The word Bett comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'plot' or 'grave'. In its earliest form, the word described any resting-place in the earth.
- In German, the phrasing zu Bett gehen is an older, more traditional way to say 'go to bed' that omits the article 'the' or 'a'.
Examples in context
- Er liest vor der Schlafenszeit.He reads before bedtime.This sentence shows how to use Schlafenszeit to indicate an action occurring before bedtime.Tatoeba #875155 by Espi, translation #434988 by lukaszpp
- Bist du denn noch immer wach? Es ist Schlafenszeit!Are you still awake? It's bedtime!This sentence shows how to use Schlafenszeit to announce that it is currently bedtime.Tatoeba #7901065 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8973479 by sundown
- Wenn Schule ist, beginnt Toms Schlafenszeit um neun Uhr.Tom's bedtime is nine o'clock on school nights.This sentence shows how to use Schlafenszeit to specify a certain time for a daily routine.Tatoeba #1853958 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1853571 by CK
- Ich bin müde und möchte jetzt ins Bett gehen.I am tired and want to go to bed now.
- Es ist spät, deshalb ist es Zeit, schlafen zu gehen.It's late, so it's time to go to sleep.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking in the living room at night.
- JulianIst es schon Schlafenszeit?Is it bedtime already?
- SarahJa, wir sollten langsam ins Bett gehen.Yes, we should head to bed soon.
- JulianNur noch fünf Minuten, bitte!Just five more minutes, please!
- SarahNein, Sarah sagt, es ist jetzt Schlafenszeit.No, Sarah says it is bedtime now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bedtime” translations and entries Schlafenszeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bett, Schlafenszeit, Zeit, gehen, zeit, zu, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
