gute Nacht, schlaf gut
The German phrase for "good night, sleep well" is gute Nacht, schlaf gut.
This phrase is used to wish someone a restful sleep before they go to bed. Note that while Gute Nacht is a parting wish for someone going to sleep, it is not used as a greeting when arriving somewhere late at night.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase schlaf gut uses the singular imperative form, which is used when speaking to one person whom you address as du. If you are wishing good night to a group of people (the plural ihr), you should use schlaft gut instead. When speaking to someone in a formal context (using Sie), the phrase becomes schlafen Sie gut. For an informal way to wish someone a peaceful sleep, you can also use Träum süß (dream sweetly).
Did you know?
- When wishing a child a good night, Germans often say Schlaf gut, mein Schatz. The word Schatz literally means 'treasure' and is one of the most common terms of endearment.
- In some German regions, the phrase Schlaf schön is used instead of schlaf gut. While schön usually means 'beautiful', in this context it means 'pleasantly' or 'well'.
- The word gut shares a common ancient root with the English word 'good'. Both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European word *gʰedʰ-, which meant 'to unite' or 'to suit'.
Examples in context
- Gute Nacht, schlaf gut und träum von den schönsten AbenteuernGood night, sleep well, and dream of the most beautiful adventures.
- Gute Nacht, schlaf gut!Good night, sleep well!
- Ich gehe jetzt ins Bett. Gute Nacht, schlaf gut.I am going to bed now. Good night, sleep well.
- Gute Nacht, schlaf gut und träum was Schönes.Good night, sleep well and dream of something nice.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are finishing their conversation before going to their separate rooms.
- LukasEs ist schon spät. Gute Nacht, schlaf gut, Laura!It is already late. Good night, sleep well, Laura!
- LauraDanke, Lukas. Dir auch eine gute Nacht.Thanks, Lukas. A good night to you too.
- LukasSchlaf gut!Sleep well!
- LauraBis morgen!See you tomorrow!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nacht, gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
