schlaf schön
/ʃlaːf ʃøːn/word by word
The English phrase "have a nice dream" is translated into German as schlaf schön.
schlaf schön is a common, affectionate way to wish someone a good night's sleep, often used with friends, family or partners. It can be used to mean both "sleep well" and "have a nice dream".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase schlaf schön literally translates to "sleep beautifully".
Which one should you use?
While schlaf schön is a common short form, you can also use Hab einen schönen Traum! to say "Have a nice dream" or the more descriptive Schlaf gut und träum was Schönes! which means "Sleep well and dream something beautiful!"
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃlaːf ʃøːn/
When do people say it?
When someone says schlaf schön to you informally, a common response is du auch (you too). If a person uses the plural form schlaft schön to address a group, you can respond with ihr auch (you too).
Did you know?
- The word schön in this expression shares a Proto-Germanic ancestor with the English word 'sheen', linking the concept of beauty to brightness.
- A sentimental alternative to wishing someone dreams is Schlaf mit den Engeln, which translates to 'Sleep with the angels'.
- While it is a friendly sentiment, using a formal version of this phrase to a stranger or superior would actually feel inappropriately intimate in German culture.
Examples in context
- Schlaf schön!Sleep well!
- Gute Nacht und schlaf schön.Good night and sleep well.
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are saying goodnight in their bedroom.
- LukasGute Nacht, Sarah.Good night, Sarah.
- SarahGute Nacht, Lukas. Schlaf schön!Good night, Lukas. Sleep well!
- LukasDanke, du auch.Thanks, you too.
- SarahBis morgen.See you tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Schlaf, schön) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schön, CC BY-SA 4.0.
