ich möchte schlafen
In German, "I want to sleep" is expressed as ich möchte schlafen.
The phrase is used to express a desire to go to bed or to get some rest. A common and natural way to introduce this desire is by first stating your state of being, such as Ich bin müde (I am tired).
Which one should you use?
While ich möchte schlafen is a polite way to express a desire, the alternative ich will schlafen is more direct and can sound more demanding or insistent.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ich möchte schlafen, the verb schlafen (to sleep) remains in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence because it is triggered by the modal-like verb möchte.
Did you know?
- German has a specific word Einsschlummern for the exact moment of drifting off to sleep, which is more precise than the general schlafen.
- If you are extremely exhausted, a German speaker might bypass ich möchte schlafen and use the adjective todmüde, which literally translates to 'deathly tired'.
- In some German regions, the word pennen is used as a very informal slang equivalent to schlafen.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte schlafen.I want to sleep.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ich möchte schlafen.Tatoeba #701860 by klagefall, translation #321870 by CK
- Entschuldigung, ich möchte gerne schlafenExcuse me, I would like to sleep
- Bitte, ich will schlafenPlease, I want to sleep
- Ich hatte eine anstrengende Nacht und möchte schlafenI had a tiring night and want to sleep
- Ich habe eine lange Reise hinter mir und bin müde. Ich will schlafenI have had a long journey and I'm tired. I want to sleep
- Ich möchte mich ausruhen und schlafenI want to rest and sleep
- Ich möchte jetzt schlafenI want to sleep now
- Ich will gleich schlafen gehenI want to go to sleep soon
- Ich möchte schlafen, weil ich sehr müde bin.I want to sleep because I am very tired.
- Jetzt ist es spät, ich möchte schlafen.It is late now, I want to sleep.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are watching a movie late at night.
- JulianDer Film ist sehr lang.The movie is very long.
- JuliaJa, ich glaube, ich möchte schlafen.Yes, I think I want to sleep.
- JulianSoll ich das Licht ausmachen, Julia?Should I turn off the light, Julia?
- JuliaJa, bitte mach das Licht aus.Yes, please turn off the light.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
