das Schläfchen
nap
A short sleep, usually during the day.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Mittagessen mache ich gern ein Schläfchen.
After lunch, I like to take a nap.
das Schläfchen
nap
das Schläfchen, die Schläfchen
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Schläfchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schläfchen |
| genitive | des Schläfchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schläfchen | die Schläfchen |
| accusative | das Schläfchen | die Schläfchen |
| dative | dem Schläfchen | den Schläfchen |
| genitive | des Schläfchens | der Schläfchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Schläfchen' (nap) consists of 'Schlaf' (sleep) and the diminutive suffix '-chen'. The suffix '-chen' often gives the word a friendly tone and emphasizes the short duration of the sleep.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Spaziergang gönnte er sich ein Schläfchen.
After the long walk, he treated himself to a nap.
Typical collocation
'Schläfchen' (nap) is particularly often used with the verb 'machen' (to make). 'Ein Schläfchen halten' (to take a nap) is also a common expression.
EXAMPLE
Im Zug mache ich auf der Heimfahrt manchmal ein Schläfchen.
On the train ride home, I sometimes take a nap.
Register
'Schläfchen' (nap) usually sounds informal, friendly, and sometimes slightly humorous. This makes the word particularly suitable for conversations about rest and everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schläfchen war sie wieder voller Energie.
After her nap, she was full of energy again.
In real life
Loading video examples...