ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen
To say "I want to take a nap" in German, use ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen.
The phrase is used to express a desire to sleep for a short period of time during the day. You can also use the expression ein Schläfchen machen to mean taking a little sleep.
Which one should you use?
While ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen is a polite way to express your desire, Ich will ein Nickerchen machen is more direct and forceful. Additionally, Schläfchen can be used to refer to a little nap itself, often seen in the phrase ein Schläfchen machen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal situation, such as when you need to interrupt someone, you can say Entschuldigen Sie bitte, aber ich würde gerne ein kurzes Nickerchen machen (Excuse me, but I would like to take a short nap). In informal situations, you can use the more direct Ich will ein Nickerchen machen.
Did you know?
- The word Nickerchen comes from the verb nicken, which means 'to nod'. It evokes the image of someone's head nodding forward as they drift off to sleep.
- While Nickerchen is common, some Germans use the word Mittagsruhe to describe the cultural tradition of a midday quiet period where loud activities are discouraged.
- The German word machen is a cognate of the English word 'make'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root mag-, which originally meant 'to knead' or 'to mix'.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen.I want to take a nap.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen.Tatoeba #4230612 by Esperantostern, translation #3374722 by CK
- Ich bin total erschöpft. Ich will unbedingt ein Nickerchen machen!I'm completely exhausted. I really want to take a nap!
- Es war ein langer Tag. Ich fühle mich schlapp. Ich brauche jetzt ein kurzes Schläfchen.It has been a long day. I feel weak. I need a little nap now.
- Es ist so heiß, ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen.It is so hot, I want to take a nap.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are relaxing in the living room on a Sunday afternoon.
- JulianIch bin so müde, ich möchte ein Nickerchen machen.I am so tired, I want to take a nap.
- JuliaSoll ich dich wecken, Julian?Should I wake you, Julian?
- JulianJa, bitte, nach einer halben Stunde.Yes, please, after half an hour.
- JuliaAlles klar, schlaf gut.All right, sleep well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nickerchen, ein, ich, machen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
