Ich wache auf
/ɪç ˈvaxə aʊ̯f/word by word
The German phrase for "I wake up" is Ich wache auf.
This phrase is used to describe the act of stopping sleep and becoming conscious.
Which one should you use?
Ich wache auf specifically refers to the moment you stop sleeping, whereas Ich stehe auf is used for the physical act of getting out of bed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is based on the separable verb aufwachen. In a simple sentence, the prefix auf- moves to the end of the clause. In spoken German, the perfect tense Ich bin aufgewacht is much more common than the simple past for describing the fact that you have woken up.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈvaxə aʊ̯f/
Did you know?
- In German, if you use the verb aufwachen to describe a sudden shock, you might use the phrase wachgerüttelt, which literally means to be shaken awake.
- In German fairy tales, the phrase aus dem Schlaf erwachen is often used instead of aufwachen to sound more poetic or formal.
- German has a specific term verschlafen, which means both 'to oversleep' and 'to sleep through' an alarm.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen! Ich wache um 7 Uhr auf.Good morning! I wake up at 7 AM.
- Na, wie geht's? Ich steh normalerweise gegen 8 Uhr auf.Hey, how are you? I usually get up around 8 AM.
- Ich wache auf, wenn es hell wird.I wake up when it gets bright.
- Ich wache auf und fühle mich fit.I wake up and feel fit.
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about their morning routines.
- SarahWann stehst du morgens auf, Lukas?When do you get up in the morning, Lukas?
- LukasIch wache auf, aber ich bleibe lange liegen.I wake up, but I stay in bed for a long time.
- SarahDas kenne ich nur zu gut!I know that feeling all too well!
- LukasUnd du, Sarah? Wann wachst du auf?And you, Sarah? When do you wake up?
