01
verschlafen
to oversleep
To sleep longer than intended and, as a result, miss an appointment, obligation, or event.
example
Ich habe heute Morgen verschlafen und den Zug verpasst.
I overslept this morning and missed the train.
verschlafen
to oversleep / miss
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verschlafen' is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'ver-'. This prefix often suggests that something is done incorrectly or missed, which fits well with the meanings 'to sleep too long' and 'to miss a development'.
EXAMPLE
Das Management hat die Digitalisierung komplett verschlafen.
The management completely missed digitalization.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'zu lange schlafen' (to sleep too long), the verb can also be used reflexively: 'sich verschlafen' (to oversleep). This often emphasizes that you yourself are responsible for missing something.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich heute Morgen verschlafen und bin zu spät zur Arbeit gekommen.
I overslept this morning and got to work late.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'verschlafen' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical objects are 'den Trend' (the trend), 'die Entwicklung' (the development), 'eine Chance' (an opportunity), or 'den Anschluss' (the connection/keeping up).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma darf den Anschluss an die neuen Technologien nicht verschlafen.
The company must not miss the chance to keep up with the new technologies.
Use as an adjective
The past participle form 'verschlafen' is very often used as an adjective to describe a person or their appearance. It then means 'still looking tired'.
EXAMPLE
Mit verschlafenem Gesicht kam er zum Frühstückstisch.
He came to the breakfast table with a sleepy face.
Compare with
verschlafen vs verpassen
to miss / to give
'verpassen' and 'verschlafen' can both mean that you are not present for something or do not take a chance. 'verpassen' is more general: you can miss a train, an appointment, an exam, or an opportunity. 'verschlafen' often names the reason: you slept too long and are therefore late. It can also mean figuratively that you do not notice a development or opportunity in time. Learners may confuse the words because the result is similar. To be precise: if sleep is the reason, 'verschlafen' fits. If the reason does not matter or is different, 'verpassen' usually fits.
verschlafen
Mein Freund verschläft den Arzttermin, wenn er den Wecker nicht stellt.
My friend will oversleep and miss the doctor's appointment if he doesn't set the alarm.
verpassen
Auf der Reise hat sie den Anschlusszug verpasst.
On the trip, she missed the connecting train.
In real life
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