Schlaf gut
/ʃlaːf ɡuːt/word by word
The English phrase 'sleep well' is translated into German as Schlaf gut.
Schlaf gut is a common phrase used to say sleep well informally. You can also use Träum süß, which means 'sweet dreams', as an alternative or an addition to Schlaf gut.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of schlafen (to sleep) and the adverb gut (well/good).
Which one should you use?
Schlaf gut is slightly more casual and focuses on the quality of the sleep, whereas Gute Nacht is the standard greeting used when parting for the night.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, Swiss Germans might say Guati Nacht to wish someone a good night.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to more than one person whom you address informally, you use Schlaft gut instead of Schlaf gut. In a formal setting, you use the imperative Schlafen Sie gut to say 'sleep well'.
When do people say it?
A common response to Schlaf gut when speaking to a friend is Danke, du auch! (Thanks, you too!).
Did you know?
- The word Schlaf is used in the German idiom Schlaf nachholen, which literally means 'to fetch' or 'collect' lost sleep.
- Because Schlaf gut uses the imperative form, it is grammatically a command to the other person, though it is used as a polite wish.
- If you are sleeping with a partner or close friend, you might use the phrase Schlaf schön, which translates to 'sleep beautifully' instead of just 'well'.
Examples in context
- Gute Nacht und schlaf gut.Good night and sleep well.Tatoeba #10961286 by toivo, translation #894924 by pauldhunt
- Schlaf gut!Sleep well!Tatoeba #1817966 by BraveSentry, translation #2425757 by bionicboy
- Schlaf gut.Sleep well.Tatoeba #9927745 by Laoan, translation #10831674 by sundown
- Schlaf schön, LieblingSleep well, darling
- Schlaf gut und träum von unserem nächsten AbenteuerSleep well and dream about our next adventure
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are saying goodnight before going to their separate rooms.
- LukasGute Nacht, Sarah.Good night, Sarah.
- SarahGute Nacht, Lukas. Schlaf gut!Good night, Lukas. Sleep well!
- LukasDanke, du auch.Thanks, you too.
- SarahBis morgen!See you tomorrow!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Schlaf, gut) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
