slapen
/ˈslaː.pə(n)/
The Dutch verb for 'to sleep' is slapen.
The verb slapen refers to the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness. It is also related to the noun slaap, which means the state of sleep itself or can refer to the substance found in the corner of one's eyes.
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
Which one should you use?
The infinitive form slapen is used after auxiliary verbs, such as willen (to want) or kunnen (to be able to).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third person singular form of slapen is slaapt. To express the simple past tense, use sliep. The past participle is geslapen.
How do you pronounce it?
slapen is pronounced /ˈslaː.pə(n)/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- A slaapmuts is a traditional nightcap, but the term is also used colloquially to describe someone who is a bit naive or slow.
- In Dutch, slaap also refers to the temple area of the head, likely because it is the part of the head that rests on a pillow.
- The word slapen is a cognate of the English 'sleep', both descending from the Proto-Germanic root *slēpaną.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van slapen.I love to sleep.This sentence shows how to express a preference for the verb slapen.Tatoeba #8101368 by MarijnKp, translation #4381904 by Hybrid
- Tijd om te slapen.Time to sleep.This sentence is used to indicate it is time for the verb slapen.Tatoeba #8101392 by MarijnKp, translation #5962008 by stagos
- Waar ga ik slapen?Where will I sleep?This sentence is used to ask about a location for the verb slapen.Tatoeba #13530674 by PaulP, translation #6781719 by CK
- Ik heb slaap.I need sleep.
- Ga slapen.Go to sleep.
- Ik ga lekker pitten.I'm going to sleep well.
- 176 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are in bed at night.
- DaanBen je moe?Are you tired?
- EmmaJa, ik wil graag slapen.Yes, I would like to sleep.
- DaanSlaap lekker, Emma.Sleep well, Emma.
- EmmaDank je, Daan. Weltrusten.Thank you, Daan. Goodnight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleep” translations and entries slapen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries slapen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
