Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schlafanzug | /ˈʃlaːf.(ʔ)anˌtsuːk/ (standard) /ˈʃlaː.vanˌtsʊx/ (Germany, Western) |
masculine |
| Pyjama | /pyˈ(d)ʒaːma/ /piˈ(d)ʒaːma/ |
Austria, Germany, Switzerland, masculine, neuter |
| Pölter | Westphalia, masculine, uncommon |
All these terms refer to clothes worn to bed and for sleeping.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schlafanzug is a compound noun made of Schlaf (sleep) and Anzug (suit), literally meaning 'sleep suit'.
Which one should you use?
While Pyjama is a loanword from English or French, Schlafanzug is a more traditional Germanic compound noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and Austria, the term Nachtgewand is used for pajamas. In Westphalia, the uncommon and highly localized dialectal term Pölter is used. Pyjama is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English plural 'pajamas', the German word Pyjama is used in the singular form to refer to a single set of sleepwear. Schlafanzug is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word Schlafanzug is pronounced /ˈʃlaːf.(ʔ)anˌtsuːk/. The stress is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- The German word Pyjama shares its roots with the Persian word for 'leg garment', specifically the components pây meaning 'leg' and jâmeh meaning 'garment'.
- While Schlafanzug literally means 'sleep suit', the word Anzug is most commonly used in German today to describe a formal business suit.
Examples in context
- Tom war im Schlafanzug.Tom was wearing pajamas.This sentence is useful for describing what Tom was wearing using Schlafanzug.Tatoeba #7201909 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6325807 by Hybrid
- Er trägt einen Schlafanzug.He wears pajamas.This sentence shows how to say someone wears Schlafanzug.Tatoeba #1959358 by Esperantostern, translation #1959352 by Flargus
- Dein Pyjama geht gar nicht.Your pajamas suck.This sentence uses Pyjama to express a negative opinion about someone's sleepwear.Tatoeba #12421783 by Waldelfe, translation #13542734 by althead
- Herr Wagner, bitte stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihr Schlafanzug ordnungsgemäß zusammengepackt ist.Mr. Wagner, please ensure your pajamas are packed properly.
- Lass uns einen gemütlichen Filmabend machen und unsere Pyjamas tragen.Let's have a cozy movie night and wear our pajamas.
- Komm doch vorbei, ich bleibe heute den ganzen Tag im Schlafzeug.Come over, I'll be in my pajamas all day today.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a hotel room during a vacation.
- MaximilianSarah, hast du deinen Schlafanzug gefunden?Sarah, did you find your pajamas?
- SarahNein, ich kann den Schlafanzug nicht finden.No, I cannot find the pajamas.
- MaximilianLiegt er vielleicht noch im Koffer?Is it perhaps still in the suitcase?
- SarahJa, er ist im Koffer.Yes, it is in the suitcase.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pajamas” translations and entries Schlafanzug, Pyjama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pyjama, Schlafanzug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
