sleep
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sleep
The natural state of rest for body and mind, in which the eyes are closed and consciousness is greatly reduced.
Nach der langen Wanderung brauche ich dringend acht Stunden Schlaf.
After the long hike, I urgently need eight hours of sleep.
'Der Schlaf' is the noun corresponding to the verb 'schlafen' (to sleep). The noun describes the state or action expressed by the verb.
Ein gesunder Schlaf ist wichtig für die Erholung.
Healthy sleep is important for recovery.
The phrase 'im Schlaf' can literally mean 'while sleeping'. Figuratively, it means that you can do something very well and without effort.
Er redet manchmal im Schlaf.
He sometimes talks in his sleep.
The quality of sleep is often described with adjectives such as 'tief' (deep), 'fest' (sound), or 'unruhig' (restless). Verbs like 'in den Schlaf finden' (to fall asleep) or 'aus dem Schlaf erwachen' (to wake from sleep) describe the beginning or end of sleep.
Nach dem lauten Geräusch war ihr Schlaf sehr unruhig.
After the loud noise, her sleep was very restless.
In the figurative sense, 'Schlaf' describes a state of inactivity. It is often used in compounds such as 'Winterschlaf' (hibernation or winter dormancy, for animals or businesses) or 'Dornröschenschlaf' (Sleeping Beauty sleep, for something that has long been untouched).
Das alte Schloss schien in einem tiefen Dornröschenschlaf zu liegen.
The old castle seemed to lie in a deep Sleeping Beauty sleep.
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'der Schlaf' both have to do with rest and little activity. But 'Ruhe' does not necessarily mean that someone is sleeping. It can be quiet, you can be relaxed, or you can take a break. 'Schlaf' is the state in which you are actually sleeping. The words can be confused because you often need quiet or calm in order to sleep. Still, you do not say 'ich brauche Schlaf' if you only mean a quiet break. And you do not say 'ich brauche Ruhe' if you want to express that you need to sleep. Memory aid: 'Ruhe' can be awake; 'Schlaf' cannot.
Wegen des lauten Verkehrs hat Herr Richter in der neuen Wohnung kaum Schlaf gefunden.
Because of the loud traffic, Mr. Richter hardly got any sleep in the new apartment.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag brauche ich eine Stunde Ruhe ohne Telefon.
After the long workday, I need an hour of quiet without my phone.