German Grammar A–Z
Look up German grammar topics A–Z, organized by category and level — with clear explanations and examples.
Meanings of the Verb schlafen with Different Prefixes
As you know, verbs in German are often combined with prefixes (Präfix). Each combination produces a new meaning of the word, and understanding the meanings and usage is a challenge for learners of German. This is a series of articles on how to distinguish the meanings of verbs with the same root but different prefixes. In this article, the meanings of the verb schlafen combined with prefixes (Präfix) will be explained.
Let's get started!
The verb schlafen has the basic meaning of to sleep.
Example: - Das Baby schlief in seiner Wiege. (The baby was sleeping in its cradle)
- Ich schlief unten auf der Couch. (I slept on the couch downstairs)
However, when combined with different prefixes, the meaning of the word schlafen changes accordingly.
|
prefix + schlafen |
Meaning |
Example |
|
einschlafen |
to fall asleep, to doze off to go numb (a body part) to fade, to die out |
Gestern wollte ich mir einen Film anschauen. Dabei bin ich auf dem Sofa eingeschlafen. (Yesterday I wanted to watch a movie. But I fell asleep on the sofa) Wenn ich noch länger so unbequem sitzen muss, schlafen mir die Füße ein. (If I have to sit in such an uncomfortable position any longer, my feet will go numb) Unsere Brieffreundschaft ist mit den Jahren eingeschlafen. (Our pen-pal friendship has faded over the years) |
|
ausschlafen |
to sleep until one has had enough |
Gestern habe ich bis 11:30 Uhr ausgeschlafen. |
|
verschlafen |
to oversleep to forget, to miss |
Tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin. Ich habe den Wecker nicht gehört und verschlafen. (Sorry that I am late. I didn't hear the alarm and overslept) Ich habe unsere Verabredung total verschlafen, tut mir leid! (I forgot our appointment. I am sorry!) |
|
durchschlafen |
to sleep in one go, to sleep through |
Babys schlafen selten durch. Sie werden in der Nacht häufig wach und weinen. (Children rarely sleep through the night. They often wake up and cry in the middle of the night) |
|
überschlafen |
to sleep on it (to think carefully, deciding at the earliest the next day) |
Ich will alles noch einmal überschlafen. (I would like to sleep on it (at least overnight)) |
|
weiterschlafen |
to continue sleeping (after being interrupted) |
Geh zurück ins Bett und schlaf weiter! (Go back to bed and go on sleeping!) |
|
vorschlafen |
to sleep in advance (to prepare for staying awake) |
Ich möchte vorschlafen, weil die nächste Nacht kurz wird. (I want to sleep in advance because the coming night will be short) |
|
entschlafen |
to pass away |
Der ältere Herr ist letzte Nacht friedlich entschlafen. (Last night the man passed away peacefully) |
