Ich bin müde
The English phrase "I am sleepy" is translated into German as Ich bin müde.
This phrase is used to state that you feel a need to sleep.
Which one should you use?
While Ich bin müde literally translates to "I am tired", it is the standard way to express sleepiness. You may also encounter Ich bin schläfrig, which specifically means "I am sleepy" or "I am drowsy", but Ich bin müde is much more common in everyday conversation.
Did you know?
- While Ich bin müde is the standard, you can also say Ich bin kaputt. Although it literally means 'broken', it is a very common, informal way to say you are completely exhausted or 'spent'.
- If you want to sound more poetic or intense about your exhaustion, you might use Ich bin hundemüde. This literally translates to 'I am dog-tired', a common way to emphasize extreme sleepiness in German.
- In German, the phrase müde werden can be used figuratively to describe losing interest or enthusiasm for a hobby or project.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, aber ich bin heute wirklich müde.Excuse me, but I am really tired today.
- Mann, ich bin so müde, ich könnte echt einen Powernap gebrauchen.Man, I am so tired, I could really use a power nap.
- Ich bin müde.I am sleepy.
- Es ist spät, ich bin müde.It is late, I am sleepy.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are sitting on the sofa in the evening.
- MaximilianLaura, ich bin müde.Laura, I am sleepy.
- LauraIch bin auch müde, Maximilian.I am sleepy too, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGehen wir jetzt schlafen?Shall we go to sleep now?
- LauraJa, gute Nacht.Yes, good night.
