Signification
To express a state of fatigue.
Contexte culturel
The 'Mittagsschlaf' (afternoon nap) is still common in some traditional or rural areas, though disappearing in big cities. Saying 'Ich bin müde' after lunch is a common prelude to a 20-minute rest. The concept of 'Frühjahrsmüdigkeit' (spring fatigue) is a widely accepted cultural excuse for being lethargic in March and April. Austrians might use the word 'mürbe' (mellow/soft) in similar contexts of being worn down, though 'müde' remains the standard. In Swiss German, you might hear 'I bi müed,' which is the dialect version of the phrase.
Add 'echt' for emphasis
Saying 'Ich bin echt müde' makes you sound more like a native speaker.
The 'ü' matters
Don't say 'mude' (like mud). The 'ü' is essential for being understood.
Signification
To express a state of fatigue.
Add 'echt' for emphasis
Saying 'Ich bin echt müde' makes you sound more like a native speaker.
The 'ü' matters
Don't say 'mude' (like mud). The 'ü' is essential for being understood.
Honesty is okay
In Germany, it's not rude to say you're tired. It's seen as an honest statement of your current state.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'sein'.
Ich ___ müde.
The first person singular of 'sein' is 'bin'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am very tired'?
German uses 'sein' and requires the umlaut 'ü'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gehen wir ins Kino? B: Nein, tut mir leid. ___ ___ ___.
Being tired is a logical reason to decline going to the cinema.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a 10km run.
All these phrases can describe physical exhaustion after exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Levels of Tiredness
Low
- • ein bisschen müde
- • schläfrig
Medium
- • müde
- • kaputt
High
- • erschöpft
- • fix und fertig
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIch ___ müde.
The first person singular of 'sein' is 'bin'.
How do you say 'I am very tired'?
German uses 'sein' and requires the umlaut 'ü'.
A: Gehen wir ins Kino? B: Nein, tut mir leid. ___ ___ ___.
Being tired is a logical reason to decline going to the cinema.
You just finished a 10km run.
All these phrases can describe physical exhaustion after exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is neutral and polite. However, don't say it every day or you might seem unmotivated.
'Müde' is general fatigue. 'Schläfrig' means you are literally struggling to keep your eyes open.
No! Use 'Mir ist langweilig' for boredom. Using 'müde' for boredom is a common English-speaker mistake.
You can say 'Ich bin deiner müde' (formal) or 'Ich hab die Nase voll von dir' (informal).
Expressions liées
erschöpft
similarexhausted
schläfrig
similarsleepy
kaputt
synonymbroken/exhausted
ausgeruht
contrastwell-rested
