schlafend
The English word "sleeping" can be translated into German as schlafend.
schlafend is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is currently in the state of sleep.
Meaning: used for sleep, used to produce sleep (adj)
Which one should you use?
While schlafend is the adjective describing the state of being asleep, the noun Schlaf refers to the concept of sleep itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word schlafend is a present participle used as an adjective to describe someone or something currently in the state of sleep.
Did you know?
- German has a specific word Schlafmütze which literally means 'sleeping cap' but is used to describe a sleepyhead or someone who is slow to wake up.
- To describe a 'catnap', Germans use the word Nickerchen, which comes from the verb nicken meaning 'to nod', referring to the head nodding while drifting off.
- While schlafend describes the state of sleep, the expression fest schlafen describes a deep sleep, literally meaning to sleep 'firmly'.
Examples in context
- Schau auf das schlafende Baby!Look at the sleeping baby.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use schlafend to describe a baby.Tatoeba #2392905 by Tamy, translation #43835 by Swift
- Ich sah einen schlafenden Hund.I saw a sleeping dog.This sentence shows how to use schlafend to describe a dog.Tatoeba #654231 by Manfredo, translation #261877 by CK
- Er lag schlafend unter dem Baum.He was sleeping under the tree.This sentence demonstrates the use of schlafend to describe a person's state while lying under a tree.Tatoeba #747493 by samueldora, translation #304160 by CK
- Entschuldigung, kann ich hier schlafen?Excuse me, can I sleep here?
- Der Professor döst während der Vorlesung ein.The professor dozes off during the lecture.
- Lass uns heute Abend bei dir pennen.Let's crash at your place tonight.
- Während des Films habe ich auf der Couch geschlummert.I dozed off on the couch during the movie.
- Er hat den ganzen Nachmittag im Schatten gedöst.He dozed in the shade all afternoon.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are visiting a quiet room with a baby.
- JulianIst das Baby noch schlafend?Is the baby still sleeping?
- JuliaJa, Julia möchte es nicht wecken.Yes, Julia doesn't want to wake it up.
- JulianEin schlafendes Kind ist so friedlich.A sleeping child is so peaceful.
- JuliaDas stimmt, wir sollten leise sein.That's true, we should be quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schlafend, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
