ich bin noch wach
The phrase "I am still awake" in German is ich bin noch wach.
A statement used to say that one has not yet gone to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ich (I), bin (am), noch (still) and wach (awake).
Which one should you use?
While ich bin noch wach focuses on the state of consciousness, the alternative phrase ich bin noch nicht müde focuses specifically on the lack of tiredness.
Did you know?
- The word wach shares a root with Wache, which means 'guard' or 'watch'. Being awake in German is linguistically linked to the act of keeping watch over something.
- In German, the verb wachwerden means 'to wake up', but wachbleiben means 'to stay awake'. The choice of prefix changes the phrase from a passive biological event to a conscious effort.
- The word wach appears in the compound Wachkoma, a term for a 'wakeful coma' where a patient is awake but unresponsive.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich bin noch wach. Gibt es noch etwas, das ich für Sie tun kann?Excuse me, I am still awake. Is there anything else I can do for you?
- Ich bin noch wach, willst du etwas unternehmen?I am still awake, do you want to do something?
- Es ist spät, aber ich bin noch wach.It is late, but I am still awake.
- Keine Sorge, ich bin noch wach.Don't worry, I am still awake.
Example conversation
Lukas enters the living room late at night and finds Laura reading.
- LauraIch bin noch wach.I am still awake.
- LukasDu solltest eigentlich schlafen.You should actually be sleeping.
- LauraDas Buch ist sehr spannend.The book is very exciting.
- LukasNa gut, dann viel Spaß noch.Well okay, then have fun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, ich, noch, wach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
