schläfrig
sleepy
Having a feeling of tiredness and the need to sleep; drowsy.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem schweren Mittagessen wurde ich am Schreibtisch ganz schläfrig.
After the heavy lunch, I got quite sleepy at my desk.
schläfrig
sleepy
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Meanings
schläfrig
sleepy
Figuratively, used for a place or atmosphere that is very quiet, uneventful, and almost boring.
EXAMPLE
Es war ein schläfriges Nest, in dem die Zeit stillzustehen schien.
It was a sleepy little place where time seemed to stand still.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schläfrig' (sleepy) is derived directly from the noun 'der Schlaf' (sleep). It describes the feeling you have when you are just about to fall asleep.
EXAMPLE
Ein warmes Bad am Abend macht mich immer angenehm schläfrig.
A warm bath in the evening always makes me pleasantly sleepy.
Sentence structure and usage
'Schläfrig' (sleepy) is very often used with the verbs 'sein' (to be) and 'werden' (to become/get) to describe the state or the beginning of the state. Another typical construction is 'jemanden schläfrig machen' (to make someone sleepy).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nach der langen Wanderung sehr schläfrig.
I am very sleepy after the long hike.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'schläfrig' (sleepy) is used almost exclusively for places. Typical combinations are 'ein schläfriges Dorf' (a sleepy village), 'eine schläfrige Kleinstadt' (a sleepy small town), or 'ein schläfriges Nest' (a sleepy little place).
EXAMPLE
Er wuchs in einem schläfrigen Dorf auf, in dem jeder jeden kannte.
He grew up in a sleepy village where everyone knew everyone.
Compare with
schläfrig vs müde
tired
“Müde” and “schläfrig” can both mean that someone wants to sleep. “Schläfrig” focuses more specifically on the immediate urge to sleep or the onset of falling asleep. “Müde” is broader and also fits general exhaustion when rest, rather than immediate sleep, is needed.
schläfrig
Nach der langen Besprechung bin ich schläfrig und nicke fast ein.
After the long meeting, I’m sleepy and almost nod off.
müde
Nach der langen Besprechung bin ich müde und brauche erst einmal Ruhe.
After the long meeting, I’m tired and need some rest first.
In real life
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