Schlafenszeit
[ˈʃlaːfn̩sˌt͡saɪ̯t]
The German phrase for "time for bed" is Schlafenszeit.
Schlafenszeit is a noun used to indicate the time of day when one should go to sleep. While it is a noun, it is most commonly used within the full sentence Es ist Schlafenszeit to tell someone it is time to go to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Schlafen (to sleep) and Zeit (time).
How does it change in a sentence?
Schlafenszeit is a feminine noun. If you use an article with it, you would use die Schlafenszeit.
Did you know?
- The word Zeit in Schlafenszeit is a cognate of the English word 'tide', as in 'eventide' or 'spring tide'. Both words originally referred to a specific point in time or a season.
- In Germany, the concept of 'bedtime' is often linked to the custom of Abendbrot, a traditional evening meal of bread and cold cuts. This meal marks the transition toward Schlafenszeit for many families.
- While Schlafenszeit is a polite way to announce bedtime, parents often use the even more blunt command Ab ins Bett!, which literally translates to 'Away into the bed!'
Examples in context
- Es ist jetzt Schlafenszeit.It's time for bed now.This sentence is useful for saying that it is currently time for bed using Schlafenszeit.Tatoeba #8821012 by wolfgangth, translation #5104985 by CK
- Es ist Schlafenszeit.Time for bed.This sentence is useful for a short way to say "Time for bed" using Schlafenszeit.Tatoeba #372644 by MUIRIEL, translation #268899 by sundown
- Es ist Schlafenszeit, mein Schatz. Träum süß!It's bedtime, my darling. Sweet dreams!
- Für die Kinder ist es schon Schlafenszeit.It is already time for bed for the children.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother tells her son it is time to go to sleep.
- HannahJulian, es ist jetzt Schlafenszeit.Julian, it is time for bed now.
- JulianAber ich bin noch nicht müde.But I am not tired yet.
- HannahDu musst trotzdem ins Bett gehen.You have to go to bed anyway.
- JulianNa gut, gute Nacht.Alright, good night.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schlafenszeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
