so müde
/zoː ˈmyːdə/word by word
The English phrase "so tired" is translated into German as so müde.
so müde is used to describe a state of feeling very exhausted or needing sleep.
Which one should you use?
While müde means "tired", adding so functions exactly like the English intensifier to emphasize the degree of exhaustion.
How does it change in a sentence?
so müde is an adverbial phrase that remains unchanged regardless of whether the subject is ich (I), du (you) or wir (we).
How do you pronounce it?
/zoː ˈmyːdə/
Did you know?
- If you are beyond so müde, you can say you are kaputt. This word literally means 'broken' or 'out of order' like a machine.
- The German word übermüdet describes being 'over-tired'. This refers to a specific state where a person is so exhausted that they actually become hyperactive and cannot sleep.
- The word müde is a close relative of the English word 'mood', as both descend from a Proto-Germanic root describing a state of mind or spirit.
Examples in context
- Ich bin so müde…I am so tired…This sentence demonstrates how to use so müde to express your own exhaustion.Tatoeba #13978908 by Vortarulo, translation #5707141 by halfdan
- Warum bist du so müde?Why are you so tired?This sentence uses so müde to ask someone else about their state of tiredness.Tatoeba #1195585 by Tlustulimu, translation #1196583 by CK
- Warum bin ich so müde?Why am I so tired?This sentence uses so müde to ask oneself why they feel so exhausted.Tatoeba #3102616 by Manfredo, translation #1825398 by Amastan
- Ich bin nach der langen Wanderung total kaputt.I am completely worn out after the long hike.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are talking after a long day of work.
- MaximilianIch bin heute einfach so müde.I am just so tired today.
- JuliaIch verstehe dich, ich bin auch so müde.I understand you, I am so tired too.
- MaximilianWollen wir früher ins Bett gehen?Do we want to go to bed earlier?
- JuliaJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (so, müde) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries müde, so, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
