Nickerchen
[ˈnɪkɐçən]neuter
The German word for nap is Nickerchen.
Nickerchen refers to a short period of sleep, particularly during the day. You can also use the synonym Schläfchen to describe a short, light nap.
Meaning: a short period of sleep, especially during the day (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Nickerchen is the diminutive form of Nickern (to nap or doze). The suffix -chen makes the noun smaller and more endearing, literally meaning "little nap."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Nickerchen is a neuter noun. Because of its diminutive -chen ending, the form does not change when used in the plural.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing the idea of "taking a nap", it is more common and idiomatic to use the verb machen (to make) in the phrase ein Nickerchen machen rather than using halten (to hold).
Did you know?
- German has a specific word for the 'nodding off' motion that happens during a Nickerchen, called einnicken, which describes the head dropping forward.
- In German, the word Powernap has been adopted directly from English to describe a strategic, short burst of sleep for productivity.
- While Nickerchen is common, the word Mittagsschlaf specifically denotes the traditional midday sleep, which was historically a structural part of the working day in rural Germany.
Examples in context
- Sie hält ein Nickerchen.She's taking a nap.This sentence is useful for describing someone taking a nap with Nickerchen.Tatoeba #1648896 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1648881 by Spamster
- Tom hält ein Nickerchen.Tom is having a nap.This sentence is useful for describing Tom having a nap with Nickerchen.Tatoeba #1661254 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1660899 by Amastan
- Ich halte ein Nickerchen.I am having a nap.This sentence is useful for describing yourself having a nap with Nickerchen.Tatoeba #1713346 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1661101 by Amastan
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, kann ich einen kurzen Mittagsschlaf machen?Excuse me, can I take a short nap?
- Ich bin total erschöpft – ein Powernap würde mir jetzt guttun.I'm completely exhausted – a powernap would do me good right now.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are relaxing at home on a Sunday afternoon.
- SarahMöchtest du ein Nickerchen machen?Would you like to take a nap?
- JulianJa, ich brauche ein Nickerchen.Yes, I need a nap.
- SarahDann schlaf gut, Julian.Then sleep well, Julian.
- JulianDanke, Sarah.Thanks, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nap” translations and entries Nickerchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
