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.
dormancy
A state of inactivity, rest, or lack of attention, often used figuratively.
Die kleine Stadt erwacht langsam aus ihrem Winterschlaf.
The small town is slowly waking from its winter dormancy.
'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.
